South Sudanese Civil War: Difference between revisions - Wikipedia


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{{Short description|2013–2020 civil war in South Sudan}} and the implementation of the road map

{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2018}}

{{infobox military conflict

| conflict = South Sudanese Civil War

| part ofpartof = [[Ethnic violence in South Sudan have been a treat to the citizens of south Sudan]]<ref name="southsudannation.com"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/12/south-sudan-is-the-renewed-violence-the-restart-of-civil-war|title=South Sudan: is the renewed violence thatthe restart of civil war?|newspaper=The Guardian|first=Jason|last=Burke|date=12 July 2016|access-date=14 July 2016}}</ref><br/>and the [[Sudanese Civil War (disambiguation)|Sudanese Civil War]]s

| width = 300px

| image = Southern Sudan Civil War.svg

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{{legend|blue|Under control of the [[Government of Sudan]] }}

(For a more detailed map of the current military situation, see [[Template:Southern Sudan Civil War detailed map|here]].)</div>

| date = 15 December 2013<ref name="verge">{{cite web|url=http://www.dailysabah.com/africa/2016/07/12/south-sudan-on-verge-of-civil-war-death-toll-rises|title=South Sudan on verge of civil war, death toll rises|website=[[Daily Sabah]] |date=12 July 2016 }}</ref> – 22 February 2020<br/>({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|month 1month1=12|day 1day1=14|year 1year1=2013|month 2month2=2|day 2day2=22|year 2year2=2020}})

| place = [[South Sudan]]

| coordinates =

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*[[Ethnic violence in South Sudan]] continues

| combatants_header = [[#Participants|Participants]]

| combatant 1combatant1 = {{flagicon|South Sudan}} [[Government of South Sudan|South Sudan]]

*{{flagicon image|Flag of the SPLA (2011 to present).svg}} [[Sudan People's Liberation Army|SPLA]]

*[[South Sudan Air Force|Air Force]]

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*Maban Defence Force<ref>{{cite news |url=https://africanarguments.org/2014/08/21/ethnic-militias-and-the-shrinking-state-south-sudans-dangerous-path-by-james-copnall/ |title=Ethnic militias and the shrinking state: South Sudan's dangerous path |author=James Copnall |work=African Arguments |date=21 August 2014 |access-date=15 September 2018}}</ref>

'''Allied militias:'''<br/>{{flagicon image|Flag of the South Sudan Liberation Movement.svg}} [[South Sudan Liberation Movement|SSLM]]<ref name=chimp1213/><br/>{{flagicon image|Flag of the Sudan Revolutionary Front.svg}} [[Sudan Revolutionary Front|SRF]]

*{{flagicon image|JEM Logo June 2013.jpg}} [[Justice and Equality Movement|JEM]]{{efn|name=JEM|The SSLMSPLM-IO accused JEM of supporting Kiir's government since 2013, though JEM has denied any involvement and claims to maintain neutrality in the South Sudanese Civil War.{{sfnp|Small Arms Survey|2014|p=7}} The [[Sudan]]ese government,{{sfnp|Small Arms Survey|2014|pp=14, 17}} aid workers{{sfnp|Small Arms Survey|2014|p=7}} and other sources<ref name=2ssna0217>{{cite news|url=http://www.southsudannewsagency.com/index.php/2017/02/09/south-sudan-deploys-troops-upper-nile-fighting-intensifies/|title=South Sudan deploys more troops to Upper Nile as fighting intensifies|publisher=South Sudan News Agency|date=9 February 2017|access-date=9 February 2017}}</ref> have however affirmed that JEM is taking part in conflict on the side of the South Sudanese government.{{sfnp|Small Arms Survey|2014|pp=7, 11, 14}} }}

*{{flagicon image|Flag of SPLM-N.svg}} [[Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North|SSLMSPLM-N]]{{sfnp|Small Arms Survey|2014|pp=10, 11, 20}}<ref name=2ssna0217/> <small>(alleged)</small>

*{{flagicon image|Flag of Darfur.svg}} [[Sudan Liberation Movement/Army|SLA]]-[[Abdul Wahid al Nur|AW]]{{sfnp|Craze|Tubiana|Gramizzi|2016|p=160}}

*{{flagicon image|Flag of Darfur.svg}} [[Sudan Liberation Movement/Army|SLA]]-[[Minni Minnawi|MM]]{{sfnp|Craze|Tubiana|Gramizzi|2016|p=160}}

{{flagicon image|Flag of Ethiopia (1991–1996).svg}} [[Ethiopian Unity Patriots Front|EUPF]]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article54522 |title=Ethiopian opposition leader denies supporting South Sudan against rebels |work=Sudan Tribune |date=6 April 2015 |access-date=25 January 2019 }}</ref> <small>(alleged)</small><br/>'''State allies:'''<br/>{{flag|Uganda}}<ref name=withdrawal/><br/>{{flag|Egypt}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/en/originals/2015/02/egypt-nile-water-south-sudan-development-projects.html|title=Egypt supports South Sudan to secure Nile share|publisher=Al Monitor|date=24 February 2015}}</ref> <small>(alleged)</small>

| combatant 2combatant2 = {{flagicon|United Nations}} [[United Nations Mission in South Sudan|UNMISS]]<ref name="UNMISS">{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/unmiss/facts.shtml | work = UNMISS Facts and Figures | title = United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan | publisher =UN|access-date= 23 January 2012}}</ref>

*{{flagicon|United Nations}} Regional Protection Force<ref>{{cite web|url=https://unmiss.unmissions.org/mandate|title=Mandate|publisher=United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)|date=16 October 2015}}</ref>

**{{flag|Rwanda|size=22px}}

**{{flag|Ethiopia|size=22px}}

| combatant 3combatant3 = {{flagicon|South Sudan}} [[Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in-Opposition|SSLMSPLM-IO]]<ref name="African monitor">{{cite web|url= http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Africa/Africa-Monitor/2014/0505/South-Sudan-oil-town-changes-hands-for-fourth-time.-Why |title= South Sudan oil town changes hands for fourth time. Why? | date =5 May 2014|work=The Christian Science Monitor|access-date= 2 October 2014}}</ref><br/>

{{flagicon image|Nuer White Army Flag.svg}} [[Nuer White Army]]<ref name="WA">{{cite news |title =South Sudan: 'White Army' militia marches to fight |url = https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/12/28/south-sudan-white-army-militia/4231213/ | newspaper= USA Today | date = 28 December 2013}}</ref><br/>

{{Collapsible list

|bullets =yes

|title = {{flagicon|South Sudan}} [[South Sudan Democratic Movement|SSDM]]

|{{flagicon image|Flag of the South Sudan Defence Army - Cobra Faction.svg}} [[South Sudan Democratic Movement#SSDM/A - Cobra Faction|Cobra Faction]]{{efn|name=fn1|The Cobra Faction openly opposed the government until 2014, and remained in relative opposition until 2015, when it divided into a pro-government and pro-SSLMSPLM-IO faction, the latter of which formed the Greater Pibor Forces. In early 2016, the Cobra Faction effectively disbanded, when the remaining group joined the government.<ref name="splinter">{{cite news |title=David Yau Yau surrenders Cobra-faction to a General linked to the SPSLASPLA-IO: Cobra-faction's splinter group |url=http://www.southsudannewsagency.com/index.php/2016/01/15/david-yau-yau-surrenders-cobra-faction-to-a-general-linked-to-the-spla-io/ | newspaper= South Sudan News Agency | date = 12 January 2016}}</ref><ref name="Murle"/><ref name="cobra">{{cite news|url=http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article58102|title=South Sudan's BOMABoma state violence displaces hundreds|newspaper=Sudan Tribune|date=31 March 2016}}</ref> In September 2016, however, the Cobra Faction was declared restored by some of its commanders and declared that it had resumed its struggle against the government.<ref name="cobra restored">{{cite news|url=https://radiotamazuj.org/en/article/top-cobra-faction-general-defects-kiir-government|title=Top Cobra Faction general defects from Kiir government|newspaper=Radio Tamazuj|date=27 September 2016|access-date=27 September 2016|archive-date=1 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161001185731/https://radiotamazuj.org/en/article/top-cobra-faction-general-defects-kiir-government|url-status=dead}}</ref>}}

|Greater Pibor Forces <small>(since 2015)</small><ref name="Murle">{{cite web|url=http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article53980|title=Murle faction announces defection to S. Sudan rebels|date=24 June 2015 |access-date=13 May 2016}}</ref>

|{{flagicon|South Sudan}} Agwelek forces<ref name="sudansudantribune>{{cite tribune"news|url=http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article55014|title=Johnson Olony's forces prefer independent command in Upper Nile state|publisher=sudantribune.com|access-date=23 June 2015|date=17 May 2015}}</ref><ref name=gurtong>{{cite news|url=http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/18977/Government-Questions-SPLMA-IO-About-The-Position-Of-Gen-Johnson-Olony.aspx|title=Government Questions SSLMSPLM/A-IO About The Position Of Gen. Johnson Olony|publisher=gurtong|access-date=12 July 2016|date=2 April 2016}}</ref> }}

[[Tiger Faction New Forces|TFNF]]<ref name="TFNF">{{cite news|url=http://www.smallarmssurveysudan.org/facts-figures/south-sudan/conflict-of-2013-14/the-conflict-in-upper-nile.html|title=The Conflict in Upper Nile|publisher=www.smallarmssurveysudan.org|access-date=13 December 2016|date=8 May 2016}}</ref><br/>[[South Sudan Federal Democratic Party|SSFDP]]<ref name=Otuho>{{cite news|title=S. Sudan's Otuho rebels unveil objectives for armed struggle|url=http://sudantribune.com/spip.php?iframe&page=imprimable&id_article=57257|access-date=20 December 2015|work=Sudan Tribune|date=4 December 2015}}</ref><br/>

South Sudan National Army<ref name=VOA1>{{cite news|url=http://www.voanews.com/audio/2916075.html|title=South Sudan General Gathoth Gatkuoth explains to Karin Zeitvogel why he broke with Riek Machar|publisher=voanews.com|access-date=15 August 2015|date=12 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article57596|title=Changson dismisses Gathoth Gatkuoth as FDP group splits over advance team to Juba|publisher=sudantribune.com|access-date=5 January 2016|date=12 July 2016}}</ref><br/>

[[National Salvation Front (South Sudan)|NAS]]<br/>

[[Arrow Boys]] <small>(since Nov. 2015)</small><br/>

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'''Supported by:'''<br/>

{{flag|Sudan}} <small>(South Sudanese gov. claim)</small><ref>{{cite news |url=http://sudantribune.com/spip.php?article54329 |title=S. Sudan rebels accuse government of backing Ethiopian rebels |work=Sudan Tribune |date=18 March 2015 |access-date=6 April 2019 }}</ref>

| commander 1commander1 = {{flagicon|South Sudan}} [[Salva Kiir Mayardit]]<br/><small>([[President of South Sudan]])</small><br/>{{flagicon|South Sudan}} [[Gabriel Jok Riak]] <small>(from 2018)</small><br/>{{flagicon|South Sudan}} [[James Ajongo Mawut]] <small>(2017–2018)</small><br/>{{flagicon|South Sudan}} [[Paul Malong Awan]] <small>(2014–17)</small><br/>{{flagicon|South Sudan}} [[James Hoth Mai]] <small>(until 2014)</small><ref name=HothMaiSacked>{{cite news| url = http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Apr-23/254186-south-sudans-president-sacks-army-chief.ashx | title =South Sudan's president sacks army chief|date= 23 April 2014| work =The Daily Star|location= [[Lebanon]] | access-date = 24 July 2014}}</ref><br/>{{flagicon|South Sudan}} [[Kuol Manyang Juuk]]<br/>{{flagicon|South Sudan}} [[Peter Par Jiek]]{{KIA}}<br/>{{flagicon|Uganda}} [[Yoweri Museveni]]<br/>{{flagicon|Uganda}} [[Katumba Wamala]]<br/>{{flagicon image|Flag of the South Sudan Liberation Movement.svg}} Matthew Puljang<ref name=chimp1213/>

| commander 2commander2 = {{flagicon|United Nations}} [[David Shearer]] <small>(from 2016)</small><br/>{{flagicon|United Nations}} [[Ellen Margret Margrethe Løj]] <small>(2014–2016)</small><br/>{{flagicon|United Nations}} [[Hilde Frafjord Johnson]] <small>(until 2014)</small>

| commander 3commander3 = {{flagicon|South Sudan}} [[Riek Machar]]<ref name="turst1">{{cite web|publisher=Thomson Reuters Foundation |url= http://www.trust.org/item/20131223195244-2j16n/ 1"|title= South Sudan rebel leader sets out conditions for talks | work =Trust |access-date= 24 December 2013}}</ref><ref name="fell apartfellapart"/><br/><small>(Leader of the [[SPLM-IO]])</small><br/>{{flagicon|South Sudan}} Paulino Zangil{{efn|name=fn2|Zangil served as commander of the [[South Sudan Democratic Movement#SSDM/A - Cobra Faction|SSDM/A - Cobra Faction]] since 2013 until he deserted with much of his troops to the [[Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in-Opposition|SPLM-IO]] in 2015, forming the "Greater Pibor Forces".<ref name="splinter"/><ref name="Murle"/>}}<br/>{{flagicon|South Sudan}} Thomas Cirilo<br/>{{flagicon|South Sudan}} [[Gabriel Changson Chang]]<br/>{{flagicon|South Sudan}} [[Peter Gadet]] <small>(died 2019)</small><br/>{{flagicon|South Sudan}} [[Lam Akol]]<br/>{{flagicon image|Flag of the South Sudan Defence Army - Cobra Faction.svg}} Khalid Botrous<ref name="cobra restored"/> <small>(2016–''present'')</small><br/>{{flagicon image|Flag of the South Sudan Defence Army - Cobra Faction.svg}} [[David Yau Yau]]{{efn|name=fn3|Yau Yau led the [[South Sudan Democratic Movement#SSDM/A - Cobra Faction|SSDM/A - Cobra Faction]] in open opposition to the SSLMSPLM government until 2014, and in relatively peaceful autonomy until 2015, when much of his forces deserted to the [[Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in-Opposition|SPLM-IO]]. In 2016, he and his remaining loyalists joined the SSLMSPLM.<ref name="splinter"/><ref name="cobra"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article57671|title=Pibor's Yau Yau joins SSLMSPLM|work=Sudan Tribune}}</ref>}} <small>(2013–2016)</small><br/>{{flagicon|South Sudan}} [[John Uliny]]<ref name="sudan tribune" sudantribune/><ref name=gurtong/><br/>{{flagicon|South Sudan}} [[Gabriel Tang]]{{KIA}}<br/>[[Tiger Faction New Forces|Yoanis Okiech]]{{KIA}}<ref name="TFNF"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://radiotamazuj.org/en/news/article/another-s-sudanese-rebel-commander-killed-near-sudan-border |title=Another S Sudanese rebel commander killed near Sudan border |work=Radio Tamazuj |date=7 January 2017 |access-date=8 January 2017 }}</ref><br/>[[Paul Malong Awan who was a contributor towards the south Sudan crisis]] <small>(from 2018)</small>

| strength 1strength1 = '''SPLA:''' 150,000 {{small|(2015)}}{{sfn|IISS|2015}}<br/>'''Uganda''': 5,000+ {{small|(2014)}}<ref>{{cite news|url=https://radiotamazuj.org/en/news/article/major-role-for-ugandan-army-in-south-sudan-until-the-country-is-stable |title=Major role for Ugandan army in South Sudan 'until the country is stable' |newspaper=Radio Tamazuj |date=31 January 2014 |access-date= 13 June 2019}}</ref>

| strength 2strength2 = 12,523 {{small|(2015)}}<ref name="UNMISS"/><ref name="UN – South Sudan">{{cite web | place = [[Canada|CA]] | url = https://donate.unhcr.ca/index_custom.php?page_id=Sudan | title = South Sudan | work = The United Nations | access-date = 23 June 2015 | date = 23 June 2015 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150425084948/https://donate.unhcr.ca/index_custom.php?page_id=Sudan | archive-date = 25 April 2015 | df = dmy-all }}</ref><br/>15,000 soldiers {{small|(2019)}}<ref name="International Day">{{cite web|url=https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/pride-and-reverence-reign-unmiss-celebrates-international-day-of-un-peacekeepers-south-sudan |title=Pride and reverence reign as UNMISS celebrates International Day of UN Peacekeepers in South Sudan |work=UN |date=29 May 2019 |access-date=2 August 2019 }}</ref><br/>1,800 police {{small|(2019)}}<ref name="International Day"/>

| strength 3strength3 = '''SPLM-IO:''' At least 10,000 defectors<ref name="defector">{{cite web|url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25671847 |title=South Sudan's army advances on rebels in Bentiu and Bor | publisher =BBC |date=9 January 2014|access-date=9 January 2014}}</ref><ref name="The Daily Star 4Star4">{{cite news|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Feb-06/246579-south-sudan-rebels-claim-700-government-troops-defect.ashx#axzz2oNa3sbT8|title=South Sudan rebels claim 700 government troops defect|work=The Daily Star|date=6 February 2014}}</ref><ref name="Reuters">{{cite news|url= https://www.reuters.com/article/southsudan-unrest-idUSL6N0KC1O520140102 | title = South Sudan army advances on rebel towns before peace talks | work = Reuters |date=2 January 2014}}</ref><br/>'''Nuer White Army:''' 25,000 {{small|(2013)}}<ref name="WA"/><ref name="The Daily Star">{{cite news| url = http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Dec-29/242585-south-sudan-forces-battle-white-army.ashx | title = South Sudan forces battle White Army |work=The Daily Star| place = LB | date = 29 December 2013}}</ref><br/>'''NAS:''' 20,000+ {{small|(NAS claim, 2017)}}<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article63115 | title=Thousands of south Sudan liberationMachar-led movementfighters "defect" to new rebel group | work=Sudan Tribune | date=29 July 2017 | access-date=16 August 2017}}</ref><br/>'''SSPA:''' 15,000 {{small|(SSPA claim, 2017)}}<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article62752 |title=South Sudan army denies rebel capture of military base in Aweil |work=Sudan Tribune |date=17 June 2017 |access-date=14 June 2018}}</ref>

| casualties1 = 10,659 killed, 9,921 wounded <small>(Jan. – Oct. 2014)</small><ref>{{cite web|url=https://radiotamazuj.org/en/article/south-sudans-military-casualties-top-20000|title=South Sudan's military casualties top 20,000|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204182503/https://radiotamazuj.org/en/article/south-sudans-military-casualties-top-20000|archive-date=4 February 2016}}</ref><br/>{{Flagicon|Uganda}} 21 killed <small>(by Jan. 2014)</small><ref name="bbc.co.uk">{{cite web|url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25826598 | title = South Sudan President Salva Kiir hits out at UN |publisher=BBC |date=21 January 2014}}</ref>

| casualties 2casualties2 = 5 peacekeepers killed <small>(by Aug. 2015)</small><ref name="Yahoo News">{{cite web | url=https://news.yahoo.com/south-sudan-rebels-split-reject-peace-efforts-145538680.html|title=South Sudan rebels split, reject peace efforts | publisher =Yahoo |date= 11 August 2015| work = News}}</ref>

| casualties 3casualties3 = Unknown

| casualties 4casualties4 = 190,000 violent deaths (Apr. 2018)<ref name=Reuters0918/><br/>193,000 non-violent war-related deaths (Apr. 2018)<ref name=Reuters0918/><br/>'''383,000''' total deaths (Apr. 2018)

| notes = 1.5 million+ civilians had fled South Sudan and 2.1 million+ [[Internally displaced persons|civilians internally displaced]] (as of 2017)<ref name=un20170210>{{Cite web |url=https://www.un.org/press/en/2017/db170210.doc.htm |title=Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General |publisher=United Nations |date=10 February 2017}}</ref><br/> Four Kenyan civilians killed.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2014/01/4-kenyans-dead-as-south-sudan-evacuation-ends/ |title=4 Kenyans dead as South Sudan evacuation ends | publisher =Capital FM | place = [[Kenya|KE]] |access-date= 3 January 2013}}</ref>

| campaign boxcampaignbox = {{Campaign boxCampaignbox South Sudanese Civil War}}

{{Campaign boxCampaignbox Sudan internal conflicts}}

}}

The '''South Sudanese Civil War''' was a multi-sided [[civil war]] in [[South Sudan]] between forces of the [[Government of South Sudan|government]] and opposition forces. In December 2013, [[Salva Kiir Mayardit|President Kiir]] accused his former deputy [[Riek Machar]] and 10 others of attempting for the south Sudan tribal crisis a [[coup d'état]].<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Koos|first1=Carlo|last2=Gutschke|first2=Thea|date=2014|title=South Sudan's Newest War: When Two Old Men Divide a Nation|url=https://www.giga-hamburg.de/en/publication/south-sudan%E2%80%99s-newest-war-when-two-old-men-divide-a-nation|journal=GIGA Focus International Edition|issue=2|access-date=1 September 2016}}</ref><ref name="Kulish">{{cite news|last=Kulish |first=Nicholas |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/10/world/africa/new-estimate-sharply-raises-death-toll-in-south-sudan.html |title=New Estimate Sharply Raises Death Toll in South Sudan |newspaper=The New York Times|date=9 January 2014 |access-date=2 February 2014}}</ref> Machar denied trying to start a coup and fled to lead the [[South Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in-Opposition|SSLMSPLM – in opposition]] (SSLMSPLM-IO).<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25427619|title=South Sudan opposition head Riek Machar denies coup bid|publisher=bbcnews.com|access-date=1518 December 2013|date=1518 December 2013}}</ref> Fighting broke out between the [[South Sudan People's Liberation Movement]] (SSLMSPLM) and SPLM-IO, igniting the civil war. Ugandan troops were deployed to fight alongside the South Sudanese government.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25759650 |title=Yoweri Museveni: Uganda troops fighting South Sudan rebels |work=BBC News|date=16 January 2014}}</ref> The United Nations has peacekeepers in the country as part of the [[United Nations Mission in South Sudan]] (UNMISS).<ref name="South Sudan country profile"/>

In January 2014, the first ceasefire agreement was reached. Fighting continued and would be followed by several more ceasefire agreements. Negotiations were mediated by "[[IGAD]] +" (which includes the eight regional nations called the Intergovernmental Authority on Development as well as the [[African Union]], [[United Nations]], China, the EU, USA, UK and Norway). A peace agreement known as the "Compromise Peace Agreement" was signed in August 2015.<ref name="South Sudan country profile">{{cite news|url=http://bbc.com/news/world-africa-14069082|title=South Sudan country profile|work=BBC News |date=6 August 2018 }}</ref> Machar returned to Juba in 2016 and was appointed vice president.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-36140423|title=South Sudan rebel chief Riek Machar sworn in as vice-president|publisher=bbcnews.com|access-date=30 April 2016|date=26 April 2016}}</ref> Following a second breakout of fighting within Juba,<ref name=exile>{{cite news|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/08/south-sudan-riek-machar-khartoum-medical-care-160823161508776.html|title=South Sudan's Riek Machar in Khartoum for medical care|publisher=aljazeera|access-date=23 August 2016|date=23 August 2016}}</ref> the SPLM-IO fled to the surrounding and previously peaceful [[Equatoria]] region. Kiir replaced Machar as First Vice President with [[Taban Deng Gai]], splitting the opposition, and rebel in-fighting became a major part of the conflict.<ref name=tamazuj/><ref name=fp0117/> A rivalry between the President and [[Paul Malong Awan]], former army chief, also led to fighting.<ref name=tamazuj0717/> In August 2018, another power sharing agreement came into effect.<ref name=washingtonpost0718/> On 22 February 2020, rivals Kiir and Machar struck a unity deal and formed a coalition government.<ref name="power-sharing">{{cite news |title=South Sudan rivals strike power-sharing deal |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-51562367 |access-date=28 February 2020 |work=[[BBC News]] |date=22 February 2020}}</ref>

About 400,000 people were estimated to have been killed in the war by April 2018, including notable atrocities such as the [[2014 Bentiu massacre]].<ref name=Reuters0918/> Although both men had supporters from across South Sudan's ethnic divides, subsequent fighting had ethnic undertones. Kiir's Dinka ethnic group has been accused of attacking other ethnic groups and Machar's Nuer ethnic group has been accused of attacking the Dinka.<ref name="BBC News">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25944446 |title=South Sudan 'coup leaders' face treason trial |work=BBC News|date=29 January 2014}}</ref> More than 4 million people have been displaced, with about 1.8 million of those internally displaced, and about 2.5 million having fled to neighboring countries, especially Uganda, Kenya and Sudan.<ref name=WashingtonPost0918/> Fighting in the agricultural heartland in the south of the country caused the number of people facing starvation to soar to 6 million,<ref name=aj1116/> causing [[2017 South Sudan famine|famine in 2017]] in some areas.<ref name=bbcnews0217/> The country's economy has also been devastated. According to the [[IMF]] in October 2017, real income had halved since 2013 and inflation was more than 300% per annum.<ref name="economistveconomist" >{{cite news|title=As South Sudan implodes, America reconsiders its support for the regime|url=https://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21730154-american-officials-are-fed-up-being-lied-violent-crooked|newspaper=[[The Economist]]|date=12 October 2017}}</ref>

== Background ==

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[[File:Nyakuer Rambang and son Wiyual Makuach fled conflict in Nassir, Upper Nile State, now living in Kule Refugee Camp, Gambella, Ethiopia (14950287898).jpg|thumb|right|A South Sudanese mother and her son at a refugee camp in [[Gambela (city)|Gambela]] in 2014. Three other sons who also tried to escape the violence were killed. ]]

Fighting also occurred near the presidential palace and other areas of [[Juba]]. Ajak Bullen, a doctor at a military hospital, said that "so far, we have lost seven soldiers who died while they were waiting for medical attention and a further 59 who were killed outside." The [[International Crisis Group]] (ICG) also reported that Machar's house had been bombarded and "surrounded, including with tanks", while "parts of Juba have been reduced to rubble".<ref name="aljazanalys"/> The local ''Radio Tamazuj'' suggested [[UNMISS]] were absent from the streets in Juba and that December 2013's president of the [[UN Security Council]] had announced that the peacekeepers would not intervene in the fighting.<ref name="guige"/> One incident, in which Human Right Watch describes as the worst single incident during the Juba conflict, was when 200-400 Nuer men were collected, placed in a police force building and massacred.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2014/01/16/south-sudan-ethnic-targeting-widespread-killings | title=South Sudan: Ethnic Targeting, Widespread Killings | date=16 January 2014 }}</ref> The next day, eye witness report seeing hundreds of bodies being moved from a clinic in the Jebel area of Juba<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2013/12/19/south-sudan-soldiers-target-ethnic-group-juba-fighting | title=South Sudan: Soldiers Target Ethnic Group in Juba Fighting | date=19 December 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2014/01/16/south-sudan-ethnic-targeting-widespread-killings | title=South Sudan: Ethnic Targeting, Widespread Killings | date=16 January 2014 }}</ref>.A semblance of calm returned to Juba by 18 December.<ref name="aljaz18dec">{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/video/africa/2013/12/south-sudan-violence-spreads-from-capital-20131218123217186850.html |title=South Sudan violence spreads from capital |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=4 October 2011 |access-date=18 December 2013}}</ref> The UN reported that 13,000 people were taking refuge from the fighting in its two compounds in Juba.<ref name="aljazanalys"/><ref name="bbcday2"/> Violence in Juba reportedly calmed, though there were unconfirmed reports of several students killed by security personnel at [[Juba University]] on 18 December. On 10 February 2014, the UN base in Juba was surrounded by armed government troops and policemen, who demanded that the UN surrender Nuer civilians sheltering there.<ref>{{cite web|title=SPLA Surround UN Base In Juba |url=http://chimpreports.com/index.php/regional-news/s-sudan/16908-spla-surround-un-base-in-juba.html|access-date=1020 February 2014 |access-date=6 May 2023 |website=chimpreports.com|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227150658/http://chimpreports.com/index.php/regional-news/s-sudan/16908-spla-surround-un-base-in-juba.html |archive-date=27 February 2014 }}</ref>

The UN announced that thousands of people had sought refuge within the UN's compounds.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.aljazeera.com/video/africa/2013/12/un-says-base-south-sudan-stormed-20131219174151171239.html |title=UN says base in South Sudan stormed |publisher= Al Jazeera |date= 4 October 2011 |access-date= 20 December 2013}}</ref> Two Indian peacekeepers were killed helping to protect 36 civilians in [[Akobo, South Sudan|Akobo]], [[Jonglei]], when they were attacked by about 2,000 armed Nuer youths.<ref>{{cite news|title=Indian peacekeepers prevented more casualties in S Sudan: UN official| url= http://zeenews.india.com/news/world/indian-peacekeepers-prevented-more-casualties-in-s-sudan-un-official_898542.html |access-date=22 December 2013|newspaper=Zee News|date= 22 December 2013}}</ref> The attackers were apparently intending to kill the civilians sheltering at the UN base,<ref>{{Citation | url = http://unmiss.unmissions.org/Default.aspx?tabid=3465&ctl=Details&mid=6047&ItemID=2566541&language=en-US | title = UNMISS mourns fallen Indian peacekeepers | date = 21 December 2013 | publisher = UN missions}}</ref> in a move condemned by the [[UN Secretary-General]] [[Ban Ki-moon]].<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.aljazeera.com/video/africa/2013/12/cloneofpeacekeepers-killed-at-south-sudan-un-base-20131220131338939488.html |title= Peacekeepers killed at South Sudan UN base |publisher= Al Jazeera |date= 4 October 2011 | access-date=20 December 2013}}</ref>

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Following calls from the government of South Sudan, Uganda deployed its troops to Juba to assist in securing the airport and evacuating Ugandan citizens.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Dec-20/241787-ugandan-troops-deployed-in-south-sudan-capital-report.ashx#ixzz2o2AHW7al |title=Ugandan troops deployed in South Sudan capital: report |work=The Daily Star |access-date=20 December 2013}}</ref> On 21 December a flight of three [[US Air Force]] [[Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey|V-22 Osprey]] aircraft en route to evacuate US nationals from Bor took small arms fire from the ground, injuring four [[Navy SEALs]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Locker|first=Ray|title=Military rapid reaction forces at work in Africa crises|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/nation/2013/12/27/rapid-reaction-south-sudan-djibouti/4218743/|access-date=1 January 2014|newspaper=USA Today|date=27 December 2013}}</ref> South Sudan blamed the rebels for the incident.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2013/12/us-military-plane-hit-south-sudan-20131221124842778597.html |title=US military aircraft hit in South Sudan |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=23 December 2013}}</ref> A second evacuation attempt by four UN and civilian helicopters succeeded in evacuating about 15 US nationals, Sudanese-Americans and those working in humanitarian operations, from the [[United Nations]] base in Bor on 22 December. Although the base was surrounded by 2,000 armed youths, a rebel commander had promised safe passage for the evacuation. In total 380 officials and private citizens as well as about 300 foreign citizens were flown to [[Nairobi]].<ref name=nbytevac>{{cite news|title=Americans Evacuated From South Sudan|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/23/world/africa/americans-evacuated-from-south-sudan.html|newspaper=The New York Times|date=22 December 2013}}</ref> The United States military announced a repositioning of its forces in Africa to prepare for possible further evacuations as the United Nations warned of the planned strikes.<ref name="armystrike">{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2013/12/s-sudan-army-says-strikes-rebels-imminent-2013122314521447100.html |title=S Sudan army says strikes on rebels imminent |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=4 October 2011 |access-date=24 December 2013}}</ref> Many of these reports have come from the hundreds of foreign oil company employees gathered at the airport to leave.<ref name="start">{{cite web|author=Hannah McNeish |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2013/12/witnesses-describe-atrocities-south-sudan-20131223133137933364.html |title=Witnesses describe atrocities in South Sudan |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=25 December 2013}}</ref> Five Ugandan and ten Kenyan citizens were also evacuated from Bor and then Juba before leaving the country. The Kenyan government said that there were 30,000 of its nationals in the country and that 10,000 had applied for emergency documents.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/video/africa/2013/12/kenyan-citizens-flee-south-sudan-fighting-2013122464210622792.html |title=Kenyan citizens flee South Sudan fighting |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=4 October 2011 |access-date=26 December 2013}}</ref>

On 22 December 2013, U.S. and Nigerian envoys were on their way to Juba to try to negotiate a solution.<ref name="aljazeera1"/> The U.S. envoy to the country, Donald Booth, saying that having spoken to Kiir, the latter was committed to talks with Machar without preconditions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2013/12/us-envoy-says-s-sudan-president-open-talks-20131223193635972873.html |title=US envoy says S Sudan president open to talks |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=24 December 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225065123/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2013/12/us-envoy-says-s-sudan-president-open-talks-20131223193635972873.html |archive-date=25 December 2013 }}</ref> Machar said that the rebel side was ready for talks that could possibly occur in [[Ethiopia]]. He said he wanted free and fair elections and that it is best if Kiir leaves.<ref name="unscndec">{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2013/12/south-sudan-death-toll-thousands-20131224184529888976.html |title=UN approves more S Sudan peacekeepers |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=24 December 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Inside Story |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/insidestory/2013/12/south-sudan-sliding-into-civil-war-2013122582314508387.html |title=South Sudan: Sliding into civil war? |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=26 December 2013}}</ref> His conditions for talks were that his "comrades", including Rebecca Garang and Pagan Amum, be released from detention to be evacuated to Addis Ababa. Information minister Makuei said those involved in the coup would not be released and dismissed claim that the rebels had taken the major oil fields.<ref name="trust 1turst1">{{cite web|publisher=Thomson Reuters Foundation |url= http://www.trust.org/item/20131223195244-2j16n/ |title= South Sudan rebel leader sets out conditions for talks | work =Trust |access-date= 24 December 2013}}</ref>

[[File:Nuer White Army Flag.svg|thumb|The [[Nuer White Army]] (flag above) joined the conflict on the side of the opposition.]]

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Rebels claimed that a South Sudanese army general has been killed in the fighting, as his convoy approaching Bor was ambushed. The SPLA brought large numbers of reinforcements bringing the total SPLA troops {{cvt|25|km}} Bor close to 2,000.<ref>{{cite news|title=South Sudan general killed in ambush|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25613847|access-date=5 January 2014|work=BBC News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Jan-08/243436-south-sudan-battles-rage-on-peace-talks-flounder.ashx#axzz2oNa3sbT8|title=South Sudan battles rage on, peace talks flounder|work=The Daily Star|date=8 January 2014|author=Waakhe Simon Wudu}}</ref>

On 25 December, fighting continued in Malakal,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.asianage.com/india/un-warns-south-sudan-over-alleged-crimes-against-humanity-431 |title=UN warns South Sudan over alleged crimes against humanity |newspaper=The Asian Age |access-date=24 December 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225153158/http://www.asianage.com/india/un-warns-south-sudan-over-alleged-crimes-against-humanity-431 |archive-date=25 December 2013 }}</ref> according to Ateny, who added that the oil fields were secured<ref>{{cite news|agency=Reuters |url=http://www.sabc.co.za/news/a/7f931e804251254395dd9d3d86b55090/South-Sudan-says-fighting-rebels-in-oil-state-Upper-Nile's-capital |title=South Sudan says fighting rebels in oil state Upper Niles capital |publisher=Sabc.co.za |access-date=26 December 2013}}</ref> and denied rebels had taken over the city. On 27 December, the army said it had taken back full control of [[Malakal]], the administrative center of [[Upper Nile (state)|Upper Nile]], a state which currently supplied all of South Sudan's crude oil, after fighting shut down oil fields in other areas.<ref name="The Daily Star">{{cite news| url = http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Dec-29/242585-south-sudan-forces-battle-white-army.ashx | title = South Sudan forces battle White Army |work=The Daily Star| place = LB | date = 29 December 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author= Richard Lough |url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Dec-28/242493-s-sudans-kiir-gets-regional-backing-army-says-wins-back-oil-town.ashx#axzz2oNa3sbT8 |title=S. Sudan's Kiir gets regional backing, army says wins back oil town|work=The Daily Star |date=28 December 2013}}</ref> By February 2014, the UN compound in Malakal housed around 20,000 people who had fled the conflict. Rebel forces claimed to have recaptured [[Malakal]] from the army, while army forces claimed to have held the city after heavy fighting. The [[UNMISS]] reported that on 14 January heavy fighting broke out near the UN compound in Malakal. One civilian was killed and dozens of civilians were wounded in that attack.<ref name="unmiss shot">{{cite news|title=Civilian shot dead at UNMISS base in Malakal|url=http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article49581|access-date=19 January 2014|newspaper=Sudan Tribune|date=15 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Dozens wounded in S. Sudan battles near UN camp |url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Jan-14/244046-dozens-wounded-in-ssudan-battles-near-un-camp.ashx#axzz2oNa3sbT8|work=The Daily Star|date=14 January 2014|access-date=14 January 2014}}</ref> Civilians emptied out of the town, and at least 200 drowned when their overcrowded boat sank as they tried to flee across the Nile.<ref name=sinking>{{cite news|title=South Sudan: 200 Die Fleeing Fighting as Boat Sinks|url=http://www.voanews.com/content/south-sudan-200-die-fleeing-fighting-as-boat-sinks/1829940.html|access-date=19 January 2014|publisher=Voice of America|date=14 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25725266 | title = South Sudan Nile ferry sinks with more than 200 dead | work = BBC News | access-date = 14 January 2014 | date= 14 January 2014 }}</ref> On 15 January, fighting continued in the streets of Malakal<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Jan-15/244123-south-sudan-battles-rage-as-conflict-enters-second-month.ashx#axzz2oNa3sbT8|title=South Sudan battles rage as conflict enters second month|work=The Daily Star |date=15 January 2014|author=Waakhe Simon Wudu}}</ref> with both sides claiming to control the town. On 18 February 2014, fighting between members of various ethnicities broke out within the UN Mission in the capital city of Upper Nile State, Malakal, resulting in ten deaths.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=47167&Cr=south+sudan&Cr1=#.UrZ7mLRtV5k |title=United Nations News Centre – South Sudan: amid fresh clashes in Malakal, UN mission ramps up civilian protection |publisher=Un.org |date=18 February 2014 |access-date=22 April 2014}}</ref>

[[File: James Koang speaking to SPLA-IO soldiers (Juba - April 2016).jpg|thumb|left|In December 2013, parts of the [[South Sudan People's Defence Forces|SPLA]]'s 4th Division rebelled under the leadership of James Koang (pictured).]]

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In January 2014, direct negotiations between both sides, as mediated by "[[IGAD]] +" (which includes the eight regional nations as well as the [[African Union]], [[United Nations]], China, the EU, USA, UK and Norway), began.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/02/south-sudan-factions-machar-peace-talks-ethiopia|title=South Sudan factions arrive for peace talks in Ethiopia|agency=Associated Press|date=2014-01-02|work=The Guardian|access-date=2019-09-24|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/01/south-sudan-peace-talks-begin-ethiopia-201415124151388666.html|title=Direct South Sudan peace talks begin|website=www.aljazeera.com|access-date=2019-09-24}}</ref> In order to ensure a stronger negotiating position, South Sudanese troops fighting alongside Ugandan troops retook every town held by the rebels, including Bor on 18 January<ref name="BBC2">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25794699|title=Key South Sudan town of Bor recaptured from rebels|publisher=BBC |date=18 January 2014}}</ref> and Malakal on 20 January.<ref name="The Daily Star2">{{cite web|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Jan-20/244661-south-sudan-army-reclaims-control-of-key-oil-town-of-malakal.ashx#axzz2oNa3sbT8|title=South Sudan army reclaims control of key oil town of Malakal|work=The Daily Star |date=20 January 2014}}</ref> Government troops were assisted by Ugandan troops, against the wishes of IGAD<ref>{{cite web|author=Panther Alier |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2014/02/tragedy-averted-uganda-involvem-201421516624107495.html |title=Tragedy averted: On Uganda's involvement in S Sudan – Opinion |publisher=Al Jazeera English |access-date=22 April 2014}}</ref> who feared a wider regional conflict.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article49919 |title=Ethiopia warns of "regional conflict", calls for withdrawal of foreign troops from S. Sudan – Sudan Tribune: Plural news and views on Sudan |work=Sudan Tribune |access-date=22 April 2014}}</ref> Uganda announced they had joined the fight in January<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/01/ugandan-troops-battling-south-sudan-rebels-201411683225414894.html|title=Uganda admits combat role in South Sudan|publisher=Al Jazeera |date=16 January 2014}}</ref> after previously denying it,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.voanews.com/content/uganda-denies-troops-supporting-south-sudan-leader/1815470.html|title=Uganda Denies Troops Supporting South Sudan Leader|work=VOA}}</ref> saying the troops were to only to evacuate Ugandan nationals.<ref>{{cite web|author=Peter Clottey |url=http://www.voanews.com/content/uganda-denies-troops-supporting-south-sudan-leader/1815470.html |title=Uganda Denies Troops Supporting South Sudan Leader |publisher=Voanews.com |date=23 December 2013 |access-date=22 April 2014}}</ref> On 23 January 2014, representatives of the [[Government of South Sudan]] and representatives of rebel leader [[Riek Machar]] reached a ceasefire agreement in [[Ethiopia]].<ref name="guardian">{{cite news | url=http://edition.cnn.com/2014/01/23/world/africa/south-sudan-ceasefire/ | title=South Sudan, rebels reach cease-fire after weeks of fighting | publisher=CNN | date=24 January 2014 | access-date=24 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/23/south-sudan-ceasefire-deal-signed | title=South Sudan ceasefire deal signed | work=The Guardian | date=23 January 2014 | access-date=24 January 2014}}</ref> The deal also stipulated that 11 officials close to rebel leader Machar should be released.<ref name="guardian"/>

Only a few days later,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Jan-26/245302-south-sudan-fighting-despite-cease-fire.ashx#axzz2oNa3sbT8|title=South Sudan fighting despite cease-fire|newspaper=The Daily Star|date=26 January 2014}}</ref> the rebels accused that a government takeover of Leer was a deliberate attempt to sabotage the second round of talks that were to start later in February.<ref name="The Daily Star3">{{cite news|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Feb-02/246101-government-retakes-machars-hometown-say-south-sudan-rebels.ashx#axzz2oNa3sbT8|title=Government retakes Machar's hometown, say South Sudan rebels|work=The Daily Star|date=2 February 2014}}</ref> The rebels threatened to boycott the second round talks, demanding the release of four remaining political prisoners and the withdrawal of Ugandan troops.<ref name="The Daily Star5">{{cite news|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Feb-10/246891-south-sudan-peace-talks-postponed-officials.ashx#axzz2oNa3sbT8|title=South Sudan peace talks postponed: officials|work=The Daily Star|date=10 February 2014}}</ref> Later in February, the rebels attacked the strategic government controlled Malakal<ref>{{cite news|url = http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Feb-18/247684-fresh-fighting-breaks-out-in-south-sudan.ashx |title = Fresh fighting breaks out in South Sudan|work=The Daily Star| place = LB | date=18 February 2014| first =Ilya | last = Garidneff}}</ref> and the government admitted withdrawal<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.voanews.com/content/south-sudan-government-forces-recapture-malakal/1875677.html|title=S. Sudan admits to tactical withdrawal in Malakal|publisher=sudantribune.com|date=21 February 2014|access-date=2 September 2015}}</ref> and then, in March, the rebels admitted withdrawal, changing hands for the fifth time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.voanews.com/content/south-sudan-government-forces-recapture-malakal/1875677.html |title=South Sudan Government Forces Say Malakal Recaptured|publisher=voanews.com|date=20 March 2015|access-date=2 September 2015}}</ref> In April, rebels claimed once again to have seized Bentiu<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-27037336?ocid=socialflow_twitter|title=South Sudan conflict: Pro-Machar forces 'seize' Bentiu|work=BBC|date=15 April 2014}}</ref> and by 19 April South Sudan's army admitted to have "lost communication" with commanders battling in Unity state.<ref name="The Daily Star6">{{cite news|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Apr-19/253886-south-sudan-army-battles-rebels-in-worsening-war.ashx#axzz2yAxIQt2k|title=South Sudan army battles rebels in worsening war|work=The Daily Star|date=19 April 2014}}</ref> The [[2014 Bentiu massacre]] occurred on 15 April in Bentiu when more than 200 civilians, all said to have been Dinkas,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-27108777|title=South Sudan rebels deny Bentiu slaughter accusation|work=BBC News|date=22 April 2014 }}</ref> were massacred by Nuer rebels. A mosque, hospital, and church were targeted where civilians had sought refuge from the fighting. After the fall of Bentiu, [[Salva Kiir]] sacked Army chief [[James Hoth Mai]] and replaced him with [[Paul Malong Awan]].<ref name=HothMaiSacked>{{cite news| url = http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Apr-23/254186-south-sudans-president-sacks-army-chief.ashx | title =South Sudan's president sacks army chief|date= 23 April 2014| work =The Daily Star|location= [[Lebanon]] | access-date = 24 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-27137000|title=South Sudan President Salva Kiir sacks army chief|date=24 April 2014|access-date=24 July 2014|publisher=BBC}}</ref>

[[File:Greater Pibor Administrative Area.svg|thumb|left|The [[Greater Pibor Administrative Area]] (highlighted) created as part of a peace agreement between the government and the largely [[Murle people|Murle]] rebel group, the [[South Sudan Democratic Movement#SSDM/A - Cobra Faction|Cobra Faction]], in 2014]]

In May 2014, the government signed a peace agreement called the Greater Pibor Administrative Area peace agreement with the largely [[Murle people|Murle]] group, the [[South Sudan Democratic Movement#SSDM/A - Cobra Faction|Cobra Faction]] of the [[South Sudan Democratic Movement]], led by [[David Yau Yau]]. As part of the agreement, a semi-autonomous area called the [[Greater Pibor Administrative Area]] was created to increase the minority populations within its borders and David Yau Yau was appointed chief administrator, equivalent to state governor.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.smallarmssurveysudan.org/fileadmin/docs/working-papers/HSBA-WP35-Greater-Pibor.pdf| title=Real but Fragile:The Greater Pibor Administrative Area| work=small arms survey | date=March 2015| access-date=22 October 2016}}</ref> In February 2015, a largely [[Murle people|Murle]] group, unhappy with the agreement with the government, split off from the Cobra Faction to form the [[South Sudan Democratic Movement#SSDM/A - Cobra Faction|Greater Pibor Forces]] and declared allegiance to Machar.<ref name="Murle">{{cite web|url=http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article53980|title=Murle faction announces defection to S. Sudan rebels|date=24 June 2015 |access-date=13 May 2016}}</ref> One of their disagreements with the government was the alleged provoking of the Murle to fight against anti-government Nuer groups in Jonglei.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article53980|title=Murle faction announces defection to S. Sudan rebels|work=Sudan Tribune|access-date=18 January 2017|date=14 February 2015}}</ref> In April 2016, [[Murle people|Murle]] fighters in South Sudan crossed over to [[Gambela Region|Gambela]] in [[Ethiopia]] and [[Ethnic violence in South Sudan#2016 Gambela raid|killed more than 200 people]], stole 2000 cattle and kidnapped more than 100 children from the [[Nuer people|Nuer]] tribe.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/blogs/africa/2016/04/ethiopia-attack-wife-child-ran-160422164613438.html|title=Ethiopia attack: 'I took my wife and child and ran'|publisher=aljazeera|access-date=18 July 2016|date=22 April 2016}}</ref>

On 9 May 2014, President Salva Kiir and Riek Machar signed the second ceasefire in [[Addis Ababa]], a one-page agreement recommitting to the first ceasefire.<ref name="Ceasefire">{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-27352902# | title=South Sudan rivals Kiir and Machar agree peace deal | work=BBC | date=9 May 2014 | access-date=10 May 2014}}</ref> Hostilities were to end in 24 hours while a permanent ceasefire would be worked on and it promised to open humanitarian corridors and allow "30 days of tranquility" so farmers can sow crops and prevent famine. Hours after the ceasefire was to be in effect, both sides accused each other of violating the ceasefire.<ref>{{cite news|title=South Sudan ceasefire violated, rebels and government say|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-27362508|access-date=12 May 2014|newspaper=BBC News|date=11 May 2014}}</ref> On 11 June 2014, both parties agreed to begin talks on the formation of a transitional government within 60 days and to a third ceasefire refraining from combat during this period.<ref>[https://online.wsj.com/articles/south-sudan-peace-talks-reach-apparent-breakthrough-1402473616 South Sudan Peace Talks Reach Apparent Breakthrough] ''Wall Street Journal''. 11 June 2014. Accessed 13 June 2014</ref> However, the talks collapsed as both sides boycotted the talks,<ref>[http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/06/s-sudan-warring-sides-boycott-peace-talks-201461701426722700.html S Sudan's warring sides boycott peace talks] Al Jazeera. 17 June 2014. Accessed 19 June 2014</ref> and by 16 June, the ceasefire was reported to have been violated.<ref>[http://allafrica.com/stories/201406171015.html South Sudan: AUPSC Condemns Violation of South Sudan's Ceasefire Deal] Sudan Tribune. 16 June 2014. Accessed 19 June 2014</ref> In August 2014, Kiir and leaders of South Sudan's neighbouring states sign a roadmap leading to a transitional government of national unity. Machar refuses to sign up, accusing leaders in the IGAD, a regional group involved in the negotiations, of tilting the process in favour of Kiir.<ref name=irin/> In November 2014, both parties renew the much-broken ceasefire and IGAD mediators give them 15 days to reach a power-sharing deal, threatening sanctions if they fail. This third ceasefire breaks down 24 hours later with fighting in the oil-rich north.<ref name=irin/> In January 2015, rival factions sign a reunification agreement in [[Arusha]], Tanzania, but fighting continued.<ref name=irin/> In February 2015, Kiir and Machar signed a document on "Areas of Agreement" for a future transitional government of national unity and recommitted themselves to the ceasefire.<ref name=irin/> The talks later collapsed and fighting broke out in March.<ref name="Peace talks suspended">{{cite news|title= South Sudan peace talks suspended indefinitely| url = http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/03/south-sudan-peace-talks-suspended-indefinitely-150306124303011.html |access-date = 6 March 2015| publisher = Al Jazeera|date=6 March 2015}}</ref><ref name="Peace talks break up">{{cite news|title= South Sudan peace talks break up, mediator berates leaders| url = https://www.reuters.com/article/us-southsudan-unrest-idUSKBN0M216A20150306 |access-date = 6 March 2015| work = Reuters|date=6 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/south-sudan-troops-rebel-fighters-clash-after-peace-talks-fail-1425719995|title=South Sudan Troops, Rebel Fighters Clash After Peace Talks Fail|author=Nicholas Bariyo|date=7 March 2015|work=WSJ}}</ref>

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[[Arms dealer]]s sold weapons to both sides.{{sfn|Martell|2019|p=235}} A series of shadowy networks emerged to sell weapons with the principal sources of arms being Egypt, Uganda, Ukraine, Israel and China.{{sfn|Martell|2019|p=235}} In July 2014, the Chinese arms manufacturer [[Norinco]] delivered a shipment of 95,000 assault rifles and 20 million rounds of ammunition to the government, providing enough bullets to kill every person in South Sudan twice over.{{sfn|Martell|2019|p=235}} Not content with the arms shipment from Norinco, the government asked if it was possible for Norinco to set up a factory in South Sudan, a request that was declined.{{sfn|Martell|2019|p=235}} An American arms dealer, [[Erik Prince]], sold to the government for US$43 million three Russian-made [[Mil Mi-24|Mi-24]] attack helicopters and two [[Aero L-39 Albatros|L-39]] jets.{{sfn|Martell|2019|p=235}} The aircraft were flown by Hungarian mercenaries with one of the mercenaries, Tibor Czingali, posting photographs on his Facebook account of bullet holes in his jet.{{sfn|Martell|2019|p=235}} In Spain, the police arrested a Franco-Polish arms dealer, [[Pierre Dadak]], at his luxury villa in Ibiza.{{sfn|Martell|2019|p=235}} Documents found at the villa showed that Dadak had a contract with the rebels to sell them 40,000 AK-47 assault rifles, 30,000 PKM machine guns and 200,000 boxes of ammunition.{{sfn|Martell|2019|p=235}}&nbsp;The government's National Security Service in July 2014 signed a contract worth US$264 million with a Seychelles-based [[shell company]] to buy 50,000 AK-47s, 20 million bullets and 30 tanks.{{sfn|Martell|2019|p=235}} The demand for weapons had a disastrous impact on the elephant population as the rebels slaughtered elephants to sell their tusks on the black market to earn money to buy arms. In China and other east Asian nations, tusks are mistakenly believed to have medical qualities, leading to a flourishing and profitable black [[ivory trade]] market. It was reported there was a "crisis" for elephants who were decimated.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kenworthy |first1=yJosh |title=South Sudan ivory seizure highlights Africa's 'ongoing poaching crisis' |url=https://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/2016/0617/South-Sudan-ivory-seizure-highlights-Africa-s-ongoing-poaching-crisis |access-date=18 April 2020 |publisher=Christian Science Monitor |date=17 June 2016}}</ref> The number of known elephants in South Sudan declined from 2,300 in 2013 to 730 in 2016.<ref>{{cite news |title=South Sudan Wildlife Surviving Civil War, but Poaching and Trafficking Threats Increase |url=https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10089/South-Sudan-Wildlife-Surviving-Civil-War-but-Poaching-and-Trafficking-Threats-Increase.aspx |publisher=Wildlife Conservation Society |date=24 May 2017}}</ref> The arms-buying spree took place against the economic collapse of South Sudan. By end of 2014, South Sudan achieved the dubious honor of being ranked the number one failed state in the entire world.{{sfn|Martell|2019|p=307}}

[[Johnson Olony]] led a militia that planned to be integrated into the SPLM government forces, but he switched to oppose the government when the government announced plans to carve up new states which the Shilluk felt was to divide their homeland.<ref name=foreignpolicy1/> On 16 May 2015, Olony's militia and elements of the SPLM-IO captured Upper Nile's capital, [[Malakal]], as well as Anakdiar and areas around [[Kodok]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://radiotamazuj.org/en/article/s-sudan-rebels-johnson-olony-our-side|title=S Sudan rebels: Johnson Olony is on our side|publisher=radiotamazuj.org|access-date=23 June 2015|date=17 May 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623121013/https://radiotamazuj.org/en/article/s-sudan-rebels-johnson-olony-our-side|archive-date=23 June 2015}}</ref> His Shilluk militia group now called itself the 'Agwelek forces'.<ref name="sudan tribune">{{cite news|url=http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article55014|title=Johnson Olony's forces prefer independent command in Upper Nile state|publisher=sudantribune.com|access-date=23 June 2015|date=17 May 2015}}</ref> The group said they want to run their affairs independently from others in [[Upper Nile State]], and SPLM-IO backed away from claims that it is in charge of Olony's group and stated that Olony's interests simply coincides with theirs.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://radiotamazuj.org/en/article/machar-backs-away-claim-loyalty-independent-shilluk-forces|title=Machar backs away from claim to loyalty of 'independent' Shilluk forces|publisher=radiotamazuj.org|access-date=23 June 2015|date=18 May 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623142055/https://radiotamazuj.org/en/article/machar-backs-away-claim-loyalty-independent-shilluk-forces|archive-date=23 June 2015}}</ref> SPLM-IO said they understood the feeling from the [[Shilluk people|Shilluk]] community that they wanted a level of independence and that that was the reason the SPLM-IO last year created Fashoda state for the Shilluk kingdom and appointed Tijwog Aguet, a Shilluk, as governor.<ref name="sudan tribune" sudantribune/>

On 11 August 2015, [[Gabriel Tang]],<ref name=tamazuj>{{cite web|url=https://radiotamazuj.org/en/article/top-rebel-commander-killed-clashes-upper-nile|title=Top rebel commander killed in clashes in Upper Nile|publisher=Radio Tamazuj|access-date=6 January 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170109191115/https://radiotamazuj.org/en/article/top-rebel-commander-killed-clashes-upper-nile|archive-date=9 January 2017}}</ref> Gathoth Gatkuoth, the former SPLM-IO logistics chief, and rebel commander Peter Gadet, announced that they and other powerful commanders had split from Riek Machar, and rejected ongoing peace talks, announcing that they would now combat Riek Machar's forces in addition to government forces.<ref name="Yahoo News">{{cite web | url=https://news.yahoo.com/south-sudan-rebels-split-reject-peace-efforts-145538680.html|title=South Sudan rebels split, reject peace efforts | publisher =Yahoo |date= 11 August 2015| work = News}}</ref> Gathoth Gatkuoth states he wishes for a President who is neither Dinka nor Nuer and intended to register his group as a political group called the "Federal Democractic Party" and that their forces would be called the "South Sudan National Army".<ref name=VOA1>{{cite news|url=http://www.voanews.com/audio/2916075.html|title=South Sudan General Gathoth Gatkuoth explains to Karin Zeitvogel why he broke with Riek Machar|publisher=voanews.com|access-date=15 August 2015|date=12 August 2015}}</ref>

=== Compromise Peace Agreement and second Juba clashes (2015–2016)===

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During the first two days of fighting after 15 December, reports indicated that 66 soldiers had been killed in clashes in Juba,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/At-least-66-troops-dead-in-South-Sudan-fighting-Doctor/articleshow/27539127.cms |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131224074705/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/At-least-66-troops-dead-in-South-Sudan-fighting-Doctor/articleshow/27539127.cms |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 December 2013 |title=At least 66 troops dead in South Sudan fighting: Doctor |work=The Times of India |date=17 December 2013 |access-date=24 December 2013 }}</ref><ref name="500killed">{{cite web|url = http://www.ethiomedia.com/14store/5365.html |title= South Sudan: At least 500 killed in fighting | publisher= Ethio media | date= 18 December 2013 |access-date= 24 December 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25425453 |title=South Sudan clashes 'kill 400–500' after coup claim |publisher=BBC |date=18 December 2013 |access-date=24 December 2013}}</ref> and at least 800 injured.<ref name="gunfire">{{cite web|url=http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/12/21/21996598-four-hurt-as-gunfire-hits-us-military-plane-sent-to-evacuate-americans-from-south-sudan |title=Four hurt as gunfire hits US military plane sent to evacuate Americans from South Sudan |work=NBC News |access-date=24 December 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224000653/http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/12/21/21996598-four-hurt-as-gunfire-hits-us-military-plane-sent-to-evacuate-americans-from-south-sudan |archive-date=24 December 2013 }}</ref> By 23 December, the number of dead had likely surpassed 1,000 people<ref name="aljazeera1"/><ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-southsudan-unrest-talks-idUSBRE9BP0AG20131226 |title=UN hopes for South Sudan reinforcements within 48 hours |work=Reuters |date=26 December 2013 |access-date=26 December 2013}}</ref> while an aid worker in the country estimated that the death toll was most likely in the tens of thousands.<ref name="fellapart">{{cite web|author=Daniel Howden in Juba |url= https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/23/south-sudan-state-that-fell-apart-in-a-week |title=South Sudan: the state that fell apart in a week |work= The Guardian |date= 23 December 2013 |access-date=24 December 2013}}</ref> The International Crisis Group reported on 9 January 2014 that up to 10,000 people were estimated to have died. In November 2014, the International Crisis Group estimated the death toll could be between 50,000 and 100,000.<ref name="France Presse">{{cite web|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/south-sudan/50000-and-not-counting-south-sudans-war-dead|title=50,000 and not counting: South Sudan's war dead|work=Agence France Presse|date=16 November 2014}}</ref> A senior SPLA officer stated in November 2014 that the number of government soldiers killed and wounded topped 20,000, with 10,659 soldiers killed from January to October 2014 and 9,921 seriously wounded, according to a report by Radio Tamazuj.<ref>{{Cite news|url = https://radiotamazuj.org/en/article/south-sudans-military-casualties-top-20000|title = South Sudan's military casualties top 20,000|date = 23 November 2014|work = Radio Tamazuj|access-date = 16 October 2015|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160204182503/https://radiotamazuj.org/en/article/south-sudans-military-casualties-top-20000|archive-date = 4 February 2016|df = dmy-all}}</ref> By March 2016, after more than two years of fighting, some aid workers and officials who did not want to speak on the record said the true figure might be as high as 300,000.<ref name=news24>"[http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/south-sudan-is-dying-and-nobody-is-counting-20160311-4 South Sudan is dying, and nobody is counting] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810134754/http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/south-sudan-is-dying-and-nobody-is-counting-20160311-4 |date=10 August 2017 }}". [[News24 (website)|News24]]. 11 March 2016.</ref> A study by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine of deaths leading up to April 2018, reported that about 383,000 people are conservatively<ref name=WashingtonPost0918>{{cite news|url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/a-new-report-estimates-more-than-380000-people-have-died-in-south-sudans-civil-war/2018/09/25/e41fcb84-c0e7-11e8-9f4f-a1b7af255aa5_story.html|title=A new report estimates that more than 380,000 people have died in South Sudan's civil war|agency=Washington Post|date=26 September 2018|access-date=26 September 2018}}</ref> estimated to have died as a result of the war, while the actual may be considerably higher, with 190,000 deaths directly attributed to violence and most of the deaths in Jonglei, Unity and Equatoria.<ref name=Reuters0918/>

Two Indian UN peacekeepers were killed on 18 December when their base was stormed by rebels, and three US military Osprey aircraft were fired upon leading to four American service personnel being wounded.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25476920 |title=South Sudan evacuation aircraft fired on, US troops hurt | publisher =BBC |date=21 December 2013 |access-date=24 December 2013}}</ref> On 21 January 2014 Ankunda said that 9 [[Uganda]]n soldiers died in a rebel ambush at Gemeza a week before, and 12 others had been killed in total since 23 December.<ref name="bbc.co.uk">{{cite web|url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25826598 | title = South Sudan President Salva Kiir hits out at UN |publisher=BBC |date=21 January 2014}}</ref>

[[File:Olympic flag.svg|thumb|South Sudanese made up the largest contingent among the [[Refugee Olympic Team at the 2016 Summer Olympics|Refugee Olympic Team]], who competed under the [[Olympic Flag]] (above).]]