Mar 27, 2025 #SouthSudan #AlJazeeraEnglish #SouthSudanConflict
South Sudan’s 2011 independence began with jubilation after decades of civil w

Mar 27, 2025 #SouthSudan #AlJazeeraEnglish #SouthSudanConflict
South Sudan’s 2011 independence began with jubilation after decades of civil war, but ethnic tensions and weak governance soon triggered fresh conflict. In 2013, President Salva Kiir accused ex-deputy Riek Machar of a coup, splitting the army along ethnic lines and sparking a brutal civil war. A fragile 2018 peace deal established a unity government, but not before tens of thousands died and a third of the population fled. Despite hopeful proclamations, the UN now warns of renewed conflict as millions face dire humanitarian needs. The oil-rich nation’s leaders still struggle with reconciliation and nation-building, leaving its future uncertain.

Al Jazeera’s Victoria Gatenby looks back at the history of the world's youngest country.
Daniel Akech is a Senior Analyst on South Sudan for International Crisis Group and explains what's led to the fallout.