South Sudan’s Return to War

Abstract

Sudan rapidly went from a state of relative peace and stability to an escalating civil war, which continues to be destructive in affected parts of the world’s newest independent country. This article offers a general survey of the background, causes and nature of escalating violence in South Sudan. It outlines some of the context behind the eruption of violence, how this has proceeded and some of the political and economic consequences. As conflict spreads in South Sudan, its growing regional dimensions become more apparent with Uganda’s military intervention, the rapprochement between South Sudan and Sudan, and mounting challenges for the large UN peacekeeping mission now inserted in a conflict zone