South Sudan is a landlocked country in East-Central Africa, bordered by Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Central African Republic. It was formed in 2011, when it declared its independence from Sudan after a long and bloody civil war. South Sudan has a rich and complex history, with its roots stretching back centuries. In this article, we will explore South Sudan’s history in depth, from its early days as part of ancient empires to its modern-day struggles.
Early History
The area that is now South Sudan was inhabited by various African peoples for thousands of years. It was part of the Kingdom of Kush, an ancient African empire that flourished between 1500 and 300 BC. This kingdom was centered in modern-day Sudan, but it extended southward into what is now South Sudan. After the fall of Kush, the area was divided into several smaller kingdoms, including the Kingdom of Alodia, which ruled over much of what is now South Sudan.
Colonial Period
In the 19th century, South Sudan was colonized by the Ottoman Empire and then the British Empire. The British established a protectorate in the area in 1899, and it remained under British rule until Sudan’s independence in 1956. During this period, the British encouraged the development of infrastructure and education in the region.
Civil War
In the early 1960s, a civil war broke out in Sudan between the northern and southern regions of the country. The war was largely fought over religious and cultural differences between the two regions. The southern region, which is predominantly Christian and animist, sought greater autonomy from the Muslim-dominated government in Khartoum. The war lasted for more than two decades and resulted in the deaths of an estimated two million people.
Independence
In 2005, the government of Sudan and the rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) signed a peace agreement, ending the civil war. As part of the agreement, a referendum was held in 2011 in which the people of South Sudan voted overwhelmingly for independence. On July 9, 2011, South Sudan officially declared its independence from Sudan, becoming the world’s newest nation.
Modern South Sudan
Since its independence, South Sudan has faced a number of challenges. The country is plagued by poverty, corruption, tribal conflict, and a lack of infrastructure. In 2013, a civil war broke out between the government and rebel forces, which has further destabilized the country. In 2015, a peace agreement was signed, but the conflict has continued in some areas.
Despite these challenges, South Sudan has made some progress in recent years. It has joined the African Union and the United Nations, and it has taken steps to improve its economy and infrastructure. The country is still facing many difficulties, but its people remain hopeful for a better future.