Conflict in Sudan - Africa SG #3

What years was the first Sudanese Civil War fought between?

1955-1972

What year did Sudan gain independence from Britain?

1956

What years was the Second Sudanese Civil War fought between?

1983-2005

What is a civil war?

A war fought between two sides of the same country.

Which country colonized Sudan?

Britain

What problems did colonization cause for Sudan?

It forced different groups of people to live together under one state.

When did South Sudan break away and become an independent country?

July 2011

Describe the people living in southern Sudan.

Most were Christian (practiced the religion of Christianity) and did not speak Arabic.

Who controlled the Sudanese government once it became an independent country? Why was this a problem?

Northern Sudan gained control of the Sudanese government once it became an independent country. This was a problem because this left the people in the south feeling like they had no control of their country, and they believed the northern government would neglect their best interests.

What were the 2 sides fighting in the civil wars in Sudan?

The government in the north vs. the rebels in the south

Why was their fighting between the two sides in the Second Sudanese Civil War?

The people in southern Sudan were outraged when the northern President tried to make Sudan a Muslim country (since most people in the south were not Muslim). Additionally, the rebels still wanted more freedom for southern Sudan to govern themselves.

Why was there fighting between the two sides during the First Sudanese Civil War?

The rebels in the south demanded more freedom and self-governance for southern Sudan.

What problems is South Sudan facing now that it is an independent country?

There is constant conflict and violence between 2 rival ethnic groups in South Sudan: The Dinka and the Nuer. They have been fighting over control of the government and South Sudan's resources (mainly water).

Describe the people living in northern Sudan.

They were mostly (practiced the religion of Islam) and mostly spoke Arabic.