South Sudan Civil War: December 15, 2013

On December 15, 2013, South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, was plunged into a brutal civil war. This conflict erupted in the capital city of Juba, marking the beginning of a devastating internal struggle that would last for years and result in significant humanitarian crises.

Background

South Sudan gained independence from Sudan on July 9, 2011, following decades of conflict and a successful referendum. However, the new nation faced numerous challenges, including ethnic tensions, political instability, and economic dependency on oil revenues. The political landscape was dominated by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), with President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar as key figures.

Tensions between Kiir, an ethnic Dinka, and Machar, an ethnic Nuer, had been simmering due to political disagreements and ethnic divisions. In July 2013, Kiir dismissed Machar from his position as Vice President, exacerbating the rift within the SPLM and setting the stage for conflict.

The Outbreak of Violence

On the night of December 15, 2013, fighting broke out in Juba between soldiers loyal to President Kiir and those supporting Machar. The violence quickly escalated, with reports of targeted ethnic killings, particularly against the Nuer community. Kiir accused Machar of attempting a coup, a charge Machar denied, claiming instead that Kiir was using the accusation to eliminate political rivals.

Key Events

• December 16, 2013: The violence spread beyond Juba, with clashes reported in other parts of the country. The conflict quickly took on an ethnic dimension, with Dinka and Nuer communities being pitted against each other.
• January 2014: Peace talks mediated by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) began in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, but were repeatedly stalled by ongoing hostilities.
• April 2014: The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reported mass atrocities and human rights violations, including the Bentiu massacre, where hundreds of civilians were killed.

Consequences and Aftermath

The civil war resulted in a catastrophic humanitarian crisis:

• Displacement: Over 4 million people were displaced, with many seeking refuge in neighboring countries.
• Casualties: Tens of thousands of people were killed, with both sides accused of committing war crimes.
• Economic Impact: The conflict severely disrupted oil production, which was crucial for the country’s economy, leading to economic collapse and widespread poverty.

Broader Historical Significance

The South Sudanese Civil War highlighted the fragility of newly independent states and the challenges of nation-building in ethnically diverse societies. It underscored the importance of inclusive governance and the dangers of ethnic politics. The conflict drew international attention, prompting humanitarian aid and peacekeeping efforts, but also criticism of the international community’s response.

Efforts to broker peace continued, with various agreements reached and violated over the years. A significant peace agreement was signed in 2018, leading to the formation of a unity government in 2020, but the situation remains fragile, with ongoing challenges to peace and stability in South Sudan.