Find out more about South Sudan’s recent history and some of the challenging events since 1972.

(with an uneasy reprieve from 1972 – 1983) For more than four decades, northern and southern Sudanese were engaged in violent conflict. (with an uneasy reprieve from 1972 – 1983) Sudanese People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), South Sudan Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The Sudanese Peoples Liberation Army accused the north of trying to impose an Islamic and Arabic identity in the southern region. Khartoum Mosque Credit: Jordan Sitkin

South Sudanese had a referendum. In 2011, the South Sudanese had a referendum. The vote was overwhelming with 99% in favour of independence. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

During the Independence celebrations, the South Sudanese were hopeful that the fighting was over. Credit: Steve Evans

Credit: Steve Evans

However, within two years there was a standoff between President Salva Kiir, and Vice-President Riek Machar, which led to violent clashes between Dinka and Nuer groups. President Salva Kiir Credit: Wikimedia Commons Vice President Riek Machar

The Dinkas and the Nuers are the largest of more than 60 ethnic groups in South Sudan.  There are a range of religions practised, including Christianity, Islam and traditional religions. Credit: www.bbc.com

For decades Dinka and Nuer have engaged in cattle raiding ‘wars’. The Dinka and Nuer are traditionally pastoralists, with much of their wealth measured by heads of cattle For decades Dinka and Nuer have engaged in cattle raiding ‘wars’. Cattle of Dinka people, Juba, South Sudan Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Cattle raids are more dangerous than ever, now that many young men carry weapons. Credit: Steve Evans

This is forcing many equatorial farmers across Nuer soldiers, pushed out of Juba, are now taking land by force in the equatorial region. This is forcing many equatorial farmers across the border into Uganda. Credit: Caritas Internationalis

UNHCR estimates that 1.8 million people are displaced within South Sudan. A further 2.4 million South Sudanese have fled to neighbouring countries. A South Sudanese woman registering at Biringi Camp in Democratic Republic of Congo Credit: Trocaire

Famine has been averted, but severe food shortages remain. In Feb 2017, famine was declared in South Sudan with 100,000 people on the verge of starvation. Famine has been averted, but severe food shortages remain. Credit: Caritas Internationalis

Sometimes crops are left unharvested, or even burnt by the soldiers. Food is still in short supply in some regions of South Sudan, where people have been forced to flee from the fighting. Sometimes crops are left unharvested, or even burnt by the soldiers. Credit: Caritas Internationalis

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is partnering with Caritas South Sudan to help with distribution of emergency food supplies, shelter and household items, and seeds and tools. Francis Ojoadi from Caritas South Sudan

Meanwhile efforts are being made by various leaders and church groups to promote a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General in South Sudan is New Zealand’s, David Shearer. Church and Community Leaders and David Shearer at a peace conference in Yambio, November 28, 2017 Credit: Francesca Mold, UNMISS

In June and early July 2018, peace talks between the main parties took place in Ethiopia and Khartoum. As a result of the talks, a permanent ceasefire was declared with a powersharing agreement reinstating Riek Machar as one of five vice presidents.

Throughout South Sudan the hope remains that permanent peace will be found. Credit: Caritas Internationalis

Image Credits: Steve Evans, July 9, 2011, www.flickr.com/photos/babasteve South Sudan Independence Celebrations Francesca Mold, UNMISS, www.flickr.com/photos/unmissmultimedia Jordan Sitkin, www.flickr.com/photos/fiftyfeet www.bbc.com Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand Caritas Internationalis Trocaire Wikimedia Commons