Why South Sudan?

South Sudan

After several decades of civil war, South Sudan became the world’s newest nation on 9 July 2011, when more than 3.8 million South Sudanese voted to separate from Sudan in a historic referendum.

More than two million people died in two civil wars that preceded independence. Today, South Sudan is once again in turmoil. Continuing border disputes with neighbouring Sudan and internal struggles within the government have resulted once again in conflict and upheaval for war-weary citizens. The 2013-2015 civil war displaced 2.2 million people, with millions facing severe food insecurity. Though rich in oil, South Sudan has one of the world’s most undeveloped economies.

South Sudan is a land of expansive grassland, swamps and tropical rain forest straddling both banks of the White Nile. It is highly diverse, both ethnically and linguistically, and among the largest ethnic groups are the Dinka, Nuer and Shilluk. The official language is English and there are over 60 indigenous languages.

Due to a lack roads, many communities in the country are very difficult to access, and during the rainy season are completely inaccessible by road.