Second Sudanese civil war

The second Sudanese civil war, known by South Sudanese historiography as the South Sudanese War of Independence, was an armed confrontation that began in 1983 and lasted until 2005. between the central government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Army. It was largely a continuation of the first Sudanese civil war (1955-1972). Although it originated in the south of the country, the war spread to the Nuba Mountains and the Blue Nile. The twenty-two years it lasted have made it one of the longest civil wars on record. The end of the conflict saw the creation of South Sudan six years after its conclusion.

About two million people died from war, famine or disease caused by the conflict. Four million people in South Sudan were displaced at least once, usually repeatedly, during the war. The number of civilian casualties is one of the highest of any war since World War II, and was marked by numerous human rights violations, including slavery and mass murder.

History

The conflict ended with the signing of a peace agreement in January 2005. Approximately 1.9 million civilians were killed in the south, and another four million were displaced from their homes. The number of civilian deaths makes it one of the deadliest since World War II.

In 2004 some NGOs estimated that SPLAM included some 2,500-5,000 minors in its ranks; The armed group stated that between 2001 and that year they had demobilized and returned to their homes 16,000 minors, however, in the peace processes international observers indicated that many had ended up returning to the rebel group.

The peace agreement signed that 91,000 Sudanese soldiers would withdraw from South Sudan over a period of two years while the southern guerrillas will withdraw all their troops in the north of the country, keeping both northern and southern armed forces separate and It established a six-year period in which a joint military force of 21,000 men would be formed and deployed in the most violent areas. It was expected that after six years a popular consultation would be held on the independence of the South and the possible formation of a joint army of 39,000 men to maintain internal control.

In 2011, a self-determination referendum was held in the South, in which 98% of the votes were in favor of yes.