South Sudan: Voices of Independence past

South Sudan was declared the world’s 193^rd country on 9^th July 2011, after succeeding from Sudan. Independence was supposed to signal a new era for the people of South Sudan who overwhelmingly voted for separation from South Sudan.  The struggle for sovereignty had wrought destruction across much of South Sudan, and independence was a time of hope for many. However, peace was short lived.

Today, South Sudan is one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world. One in three^[1] people have fled their homes, including 2.5 million people living as refugees in neighbouring countries. Parts of the country are teetering on the brink of famine, with more civilians without food, in more places than ever, in the history of the country.

Parts of South Sudan have recently witnessed an upsurge in violence, despite a ceasefire being declared in December 2017. Renewed fighting in parts of the former Unity State began in April and have displaced thousands of civilians. Many others have been forced from their homes in the Equatorias due to on-going conflict. While a peace deal was recently signed between two of the main warring factions, it is yet to be seen if this will translate to an end to the fighting on the ground.

We spoke to families who’ve borne the brunt of the violence, sharing their thoughts in the run up to the anniversary of independence in South Sudan.

References

1. ^{^} One in three (www.unocha.org)