The Civil War

In 1956 Sudan gained independence from the British/Egyptian administration that then ruled Sudan. Since this time there has been a lack of equality and prosperity in South Sudan. This has been due to laws implemented by the new predominantly Arab government. This government developed a class system that gave the differing classes inequitable rights and opportunities.

The four classes were

1. Arab Men
2. Arab Women
3. Non Arab Muslims
4. All non Muslims

The South of Sudan was predominantly African and their religious beliefs were mainly Christian or Tribal beliefs so most of them fell into the fourth class. Although South Sudan was rich in oil and natural resources, there was no wealth sharing. This left the South extremely disadvantaged. With the expulsion of all Christian missionaries in the late 1950s South Sudan's basic human rights of education (most of the schools in the South were run by missionaries) and religious worship were taken away. This lead to civil war breaking out between North and South in 1955 and lasted until 1972 when a peace agreement was reached. Unfortunately the government did not hold to the terms of the peace agreement and this lead to further disputes resulting from the evident inequality, lack of wealth sharing and the destruction of infrastructure and health care services. There was also an enforcement of Islamic culture on the people of the south who were predominantly Christian.

In 1983 the Sudanese Peoples Liberation Army was formed, with the intent of gaining back civil and human rights for the people of Southern Sudan. Civil war broke out for a second time and lasted over 20 years, bringing with it even more persecution, bloodshed and devastations to Sudan.

Millions of Sudanese were forced from their homes and are now displaced.
At least 2.5 million people were killed.
Destruction of almost all remaining infrastructure, health care systems and education systems in the South.
Extreme poverty and famine.


As a result of this war and the unwillingness of the government to provide equal access to basic human rights, Southern Sudan is in decline in every aspect of human life.

To find out more about the effects on human life.