Encyclopedia/3. History, Societies & Civilizations/09. Modern Nations/01. Africa • Curated by Admin Timeline.sg
History of South Sudan (AI-generated, sourced to Wikipedia).
Chronological Storyline (29 Milestones)
1500 BCE
Nilotic peoples settle region
Nilotic-speaking peoples, ancestors of the Dinka, Nuer, and Shilluk, begin migrating into the Nile valley and surrounding savannas of what is now South Sudan. Source — Wikipedia, "South Sudan":
Traditional Maasai Dance at Maasai Global Festival 2024 By Sikjunior - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=151495346
1500 CE
Shilluk kingdom established
The Shilluk kingdom emerges along the White Nile, with a divine king (reth) ruling from its capital at Fashoda, becoming one of the region's most enduring political entities. Source — Wikipedia, "South Sudan":
Flag of the Shilluk people of Southern Sudan, also known as the Chollo By Orange Tuesday - Own work, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10653930
1700 CE
Azande migration southward
Azande peoples migrate into the southwestern regions of present-day South Sudan, establishing organized chiefdoms and expanding their political influence. Source — Wikipedia, "South Sudan":
the Azande new king His majesty Atoroba Peni and the Queen of the Azande during coronation at Yambio freedom square on Feb 9 , 2022 By David Atoroyo Sika - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=116497758
Jun 1, 1821 CE
Turco-Egyptian conquest begins
Ottoman-Egyptian forces under Muhammad Ali conquer northern Sudan and begin extending influence southward, bringing the first external imperial administration to the region. Source — Wikipedia, "South Sudan":
Flag of South Sudan (originally of the Sudan People's Liberation Army/Movement) By Achim1999 - This vector image was generated programmatically from geometry defined in File:Flag of South Sudan (construction sheet).svg which is in turn derived from Flags of the World (FOTW). See also http://www.vexilla-mundi.com/south_sudan_flag.html Vexilla Mundi (detailed construction sheet), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=486976
1850 CE
Ivory and slave trade intensifies
Arab and European traders penetrate deeper into South Sudan territory, devastating communities through the ivory and slave trades and destabilizing traditional societies. Source — Wikipedia, "South Sudan":
Photograph of an enslaved boy in Zanzibar. National Maritime Museum, in Greenwich, London, England, from the Michael Graham-Stewart collection. Français : Garçon esclave à Zanzibar. Inscription sur le document : "La punition d'un maître arabe pour une petite infraction. L'enfant doit porter cette poutre sur la tête, même s'il veut se déplacer. Photo prise par l'un de nos missionnaires". À partir des années 1860 la photographie a été une arme puissante pour les abolitionnistes Description from source: This extraordinary lantern slide is inscribed: ‘An Arab master’s punishment for a slight offence. The log weighed 32 pounds, and the boy could only move by carrying it on his head. An actual photograph taken by one of our missionaries.’. From at least the 1860s onwards, photography was a powerful weapon in the abolitionist arsenal. Photographic images of slavery provided vivid and irrefutable evidence of the ongoing cruelty of the East African and Indian Ocean trades. They were often used as the basis for engravings reproduced in popular journals such as ‘The Graphic’ and ‘The Illustrated London News’. By Unknown photographer - https://collections.rmg.co.uk/collections/objects/262003.html(Original source listed, now a broken link: http://www.untoldlondon.org.uk/news/ART38118.html. Alternative source as originally listed, but note that its description of the image includes theories not included in the original source: https://histclo.com/act/work/slave/ast/io/cou/sc-zan.html.), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6592423
Jun 1, 1881 CE
Mahdist War erupts
Muhammad Ahmad declares himself the Mahdi and launches a revolt against Turco-Egyptian rule, eventually engulfing much of Sudan including southern territories. Source — Wikipedia, "South Sudan":
A collage of major battles in the Mahdist/Sudan War By Fidodog14 - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=151780303
Jan 1, 1899 CE
Anglo-Egyptian condominium established
Britain and Egypt jointly establish the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan, formally bringing South Sudan under colonial administration with the 'Closed District' policy isolating the south. Source — Wikipedia, "South Sudan":
The flag of the United Kingdom using a 3:5 ratio. This flag is the Union Flag in the 3:5 ratio exclusively used on land. At sea, the correct ratio is 1:2. By Original: Acts of Union 1800 Vector: Yaddah - Design data from http://fotw.vexillum.com/flags/gb.html; original code is from Image:Flag of the United Kingdom (1-2).svg, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=127049491
Jun 1, 1947 CE
Juba Conference held
The Juba Conference brings together southern leaders and British officials to discuss the political future of southern Sudan, foreshadowing tensions with the north. Source — Wikipedia, "South Sudan":
Flag of South Sudan (originally of the Sudan People's Liberation Army/Movement) By Achim1999 - This vector image was generated programmatically from geometry defined in File:Flag of South Sudan (construction sheet).svg which is in turn derived from Flags of the World (FOTW). See also http://www.vexilla-mundi.com/south_sudan_flag.html Vexilla Mundi (detailed construction sheet), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=486976
Aug 18, 1955 CE
Torit Mutiny sparks conflict
Southern soldiers in Torit mutiny against northern domination, killing hundreds and marking the beginning of the first Sudanese Civil War. Source — Wikipedia, "South Sudan":
Flag of South Sudan (originally of the Sudan People's Liberation Army/Movement) By Achim1999 - This vector image was generated programmatically from geometry defined in File:Flag of South Sudan (construction sheet).svg which is in turn derived from Flags of the World (FOTW). See also http://www.vexilla-mundi.com/south_sudan_flag.html Vexilla Mundi (detailed construction sheet), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=486976
Jan 1, 1956 CE
Sudan gains independence
Sudan becomes an independent republic, but southern grievances over political marginalization and cultural domination by the north remain unresolved. Source — Wikipedia, "South Sudan":
The former flag of Sudan (1956-1970). By Mysid - Self-drawn in CorelDraw, based loosely on FOTW., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=804454
1963 CE
Anya-Nya rebellion formed
Southern guerrilla fighters organize under the name Anya-Nya, waging an insurgency against the Khartoum government throughout the first civil war. Source — Wikipedia, "South Sudan":
Flag of South Sudan (originally of the Sudan People's Liberation Army/Movement) By Achim1999 - This vector image was generated programmatically from geometry defined in File:Flag of South Sudan (construction sheet).svg which is in turn derived from Flags of the World (FOTW). See also http://www.vexilla-mundi.com/south_sudan_flag.html Vexilla Mundi (detailed construction sheet), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=486976
Mar 27, 1972 CE
Addis Ababa Agreement signed
The first civil war ends with the Addis Ababa Agreement, granting the south regional autonomy and promising self-governance, bringing eleven years of relative peace. Source — Wikipedia, "South Sudan":
Flag of South Sudan (originally of the Sudan People's Liberation Army/Movement) By Achim1999 - This vector image was generated programmatically from geometry defined in File:Flag of South Sudan (construction sheet).svg which is in turn derived from Flags of the World (FOTW). See also http://www.vexilla-mundi.com/south_sudan_flag.html Vexilla Mundi (detailed construction sheet), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=486976
1978 CE
Oil discovered in Bentiu
Significant oil reserves are discovered in the Bentiu area of southern Sudan, later becoming a central factor in north-south tensions and negotiations. Source — Wikipedia, "South Sudan":
Flag of South Sudan (originally of the Sudan People's Liberation Army/Movement) By Achim1999 - This vector image was generated programmatically from geometry defined in File:Flag of South Sudan (construction sheet).svg which is in turn derived from Flags of the World (FOTW). See also http://www.vexilla-mundi.com/south_sudan_flag.html Vexilla Mundi (detailed construction sheet), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=486976
May 1, 1983 CE
Second Civil War begins
President Nimeiry abrogates the Addis Ababa Agreement and imposes Islamic law, triggering the second Sudanese Civil War, which would last twenty-two years. Source — Wikipedia, "South Sudan":
Flag of South Sudan (originally of the Sudan People's Liberation Army/Movement) By Achim1999 - This vector image was generated programmatically from geometry defined in File:Flag of South Sudan (construction sheet).svg which is in turn derived from Flags of the World (FOTW). See also http://www.vexilla-mundi.com/south_sudan_flag.html Vexilla Mundi (detailed construction sheet), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=486976
Jul 1, 1983 CE
SPLM/A founded by Garang
Dr. John Garang de Mabior establishes the Sudan People's Liberation Movement and Army, becoming the principal southern rebel force fighting for a new Sudan. Source — Wikipedia, "South Sudan":
Logo(s) of the of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) & Sudan People's Liberation By Unknown author - Own work, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=169117116
Aug 1, 1991 CE
Nasir Declaration splits SPLA
Riek Machar and others issue the Nasir Declaration, splitting the SPLA and sparking devastating inter-ethnic violence between Dinka and Nuer factions in the south. Source — Wikipedia, "South Sudan":
Flag used by SPLA-Nasir; a splinter faction of the SPLA. By MrPenguin20 - Own work. Based on flag by Jaume Ollé visible here., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32292647
1993 CE
Famine devastates the south
War and drought produce catastrophic famine in southern Sudan, killing tens of thousands and drawing international humanitarian intervention including Operation Lifeline Sudan. Source — Wikipedia, "South Sudan":
Famine devastates the south By Unknown author, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=218156
Jul 1, 2002 CE
Machakos Protocol signed
The Government of Sudan and SPLM/A sign the Machakos Protocol in Kenya, agreeing on a framework for peace including a future self-determination referendum for the south. Source — Wikipedia, "South Sudan":
Map showing political regions of Sudan as of July 2006. By Lokal_Profil - Information based on Political Regions of Sudan (CPA).png by Сержант Кандыба Vector map from Blank map of Sudan administrative areas.svg by Maplibrary.org Information from Sudan political regions July 2006.png by Kwamikagami which in turn is based on Sudan politicaly distrikt map Jul2006.png by Orthuberra Combined by Lokal_Profil, CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15748011
Jan 9, 2005 CE
Comprehensive Peace Agreement
The CPA is signed in Nairobi, ending Africa's longest civil war, establishing a semi-autonomous Government of Southern Sudan, and promising a 2011 independence referendum. Source — Wikipedia, "South Sudan":
Map showing political regions of Sudan as of July 2006. By Lokal_Profil - Information based on Political Regions of Sudan (CPA).png by Сержант Кандыба Vector map from Blank map of Sudan administrative areas.svg by Maplibrary.org Information from Sudan political regions July 2006.png by Kwamikagami which in turn is based on Sudan politicaly distrikt map Jul2006.png by Orthuberra Combined by Lokal_Profil, CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15748011
Jul 30, 2005 CE
John Garang dies in crash
SPLM leader and First Vice President John Garang dies in a helicopter crash, sparking riots in Khartoum and Juba; Salva Kiir Mayardit succeeds him. Source — Wikipedia, "South Sudan":
Original caption states, "Former Southern Sudan leader John Garang." By Unknown author - http://africaphotos.usaid.gov/search_details.cfm?Keyword_ID=239&Country_ID=25&Sector_ID=10&Photo_ID=5502&StartRow=16, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1370126
2007 CE
South Sudan joins FIFA
South Sudan begins establishing national institutions and sporting bodies ahead of independence, with football becoming a symbol of emerging national identity. Source — Wikipedia, "South Sudan":
Flag of South Sudan (originally of the Sudan People's Liberation Army/Movement) By Achim1999 - This vector image was generated programmatically from geometry defined in File:Flag of South Sudan (construction sheet).svg which is in turn derived from Flags of the World (FOTW). See also http://www.vexilla-mundi.com/south_sudan_flag.html Vexilla Mundi (detailed construction sheet), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=486976
Jan 9, 2011 CE
Independence referendum held
Southern Sudanese vote overwhelmingly for independence, with 98.83% choosing secession in a peaceful, internationally observed referendum. Source — Wikipedia, "South Sudan":
P7092501 By Al Jazeera English - P7092501, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17458106
Jul 9, 2011 CE
South Sudan becomes independent
The Republic of South Sudan officially becomes the world's newest country, gaining sovereignty and admission to the United Nations amid jubilant celebrations in Juba. Source — Wikipedia, "South Sudan":
Flag of South Sudan (originally of the Sudan People's Liberation Army/Movement) By Achim1999 - This vector image was generated programmatically from geometry defined in File:Flag of South Sudan (construction sheet).svg which is in turn derived from Flags of the World (FOTW). See also http://www.vexilla-mundi.com/south_sudan_flag.html Vexilla Mundi (detailed construction sheet), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=486976
Dec 15, 2013 CE
Civil war erupts in Juba
Political rivalry between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar explodes into violence, igniting a devastating civil war along ethnic lines. Source — Wikipedia, "South Sudan":
Map of the South Sudanese Civil War. Under control of the Government of South Sudan and Allies Under control of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in-Opposition and Allies Under control of the Rapid Support Forces Under control of the UNISFA By Ali Zifan - Own work using: South Sudan location map.svg by NordNordWest. Current control data is from South Sudan Territorial Control — Situation Update (26 Jan 2026) - Sudans Post, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=47087539
Aug 26, 2015 CE
Peace agreement signed
The Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan is signed, establishing a power-sharing arrangement, but implementation falters repeatedly. Source — Wikipedia, "South Sudan":
Flag of South Sudan (originally of the Sudan People's Liberation Army/Movement) By Achim1999 - This vector image was generated programmatically from geometry defined in File:Flag of South Sudan (construction sheet).svg which is in turn derived from Flags of the World (FOTW). See also http://www.vexilla-mundi.com/south_sudan_flag.html Vexilla Mundi (detailed construction sheet), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=486976
Jul 1, 2016 CE
Fighting resumes in Juba
Fresh clashes between Kiir and Machar forces erupt in Juba, collapsing the unity government and forcing Machar to flee the country. Source — Wikipedia, "South Sudan":
Map of the South Sudanese Civil War. Under control of the Government of South Sudan and Allies Under control of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in-Opposition and Allies Under control of the Rapid Support Forces Under control of the UNISFA By Ali Zifan - Own work using: South Sudan location map.svg by NordNordWest. Current control data is from South Sudan Territorial Control — Situation Update (26 Jan 2026) - Sudans Post, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=47087539
Sep 12, 2018 CE
Revitalized peace agreement
A revitalized peace agreement is signed in Addis Ababa, aiming to end the five-year civil war through a new power-sharing government. Source — Wikipedia, "South Sudan":
Flag of South Sudan (originally of the Sudan People's Liberation Army/Movement) By Achim1999 - This vector image was generated programmatically from geometry defined in File:Flag of South Sudan (construction sheet).svg which is in turn derived from Flags of the World (FOTW). See also http://www.vexilla-mundi.com/south_sudan_flag.html Vexilla Mundi (detailed construction sheet), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=486976
Feb 22, 2020 CE
Unity government reformed
Riek Machar returns to Juba and is sworn in as First Vice President, forming a long-delayed unity government with President Salva Kiir. Source — Wikipedia, "South Sudan":
Flag of South Sudan (originally of the Sudan People's Liberation Army/Movement) By Achim1999 - This vector image was generated programmatically from geometry defined in File:Flag of South Sudan (construction sheet).svg which is in turn derived from Flags of the World (FOTW). See also http://www.vexilla-mundi.com/south_sudan_flag.html Vexilla Mundi (detailed construction sheet), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=486976
Apr 1, 2023 CE
Sudan conflict spills over
War between Sudan's military factions erupts in Khartoum, sending refugees into South Sudan and creating new regional instability for the young nation. Source — Wikipedia, "South Sudan":
Map of the Sudan War. Adapted from Sudanese Internal Conflict.svg Controlled by Sudanese Armed Forces Controlled by Rapid Support Forces Controlled by Sudan People's Liberation Movement–North (al-Hilu) Controlled by allied Rapid Support Forces and Sudan People's Liberation Movement–North (al-Hilu) Controlled by Sudan Liberation Movement (al-Nur) In the respective colours: Contested Airport/Air base (plane) By ElijahPepe - Own work, derivate of Template:2023 Sudanese Clashes detailed map This is a retouched picture, which means that it has been digitally altered from its original version. The original can be viewed here: Sudan adm location map.svg: ., CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=130770259
