Background

• Prior to 2011, South Sudan was part of Sudan, its neighbor to the north.

• By the end of the 19th century the Sudan was under British-Egyptian rule. Although the north accepted British rule relatively quickly, there was greater resistance in the south. Because of this, British energies in the north were free to be directed toward modernization efforts, whereas in the south they were more focused on simply maintaining order, leading to a division of development between north and south that continued for several decades.

• An early conflict arose between those northern leaders who hoped to impose the vigorous extension of Islamic law and culture to all parts of the country and those who opposed this policy. The latter group included the majority of southern Sudan’s population, many of whom were already up in arms over fears that the south would be further marginalized by the northern-based government; those fears led to a lengthy civil war (1955–72). 

• The Addis Ababa Agreement of 1972 ended the conflict only temporarily, and in the next decade widespread fighting resumed with the second civil war (1983–2005).

• The 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), which ended warfare and generated an outline of new measures to share power, distribute wealth, and provide security in Sudan.

• Significantly, the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) granted southern Sudan semiautonomous status and stipulated that a referendum on independence for the region would be held in six years. 

• Despite some obstacles, the eagerly awaited referendum did take place: a weeklong vote on independence for southern Sudan was held January 9–15, 2011, with the results indicating the south’s overwhelming preference to secede.

• The country of South Sudan declared independence on July 9, 2011.

• The official language of South Sudan is English. Although the common languages spoken are Arabi Juba and English, Kiswahili is being introduced to the population to improve the country's relations with its East African neighbors. There are over 60 indigenous languages, most classified under the Nilo-Saharan Language family; collectively, they represent two of the first order divisions of Nile Sudanic and Central Sudanic.

• While Sudan to the north is predominantly Muslim, South Sudan is predominantly Christian and African traditional animist, though Islam is not altogether absent.

• The largest ethnic group is the Dinka, who constitute about two-fifths of the population, followed by the Nuer, who constitute about one-fifth. Other groups include the Zande, the Bari, the Shilluk, and the Anywa (Anwak). There is a small Arab population in South Sudan.

• The Dinka are mostly cattle herders and can be found throughout much of the country, while the Shilluk are more-settled farmers and, like the Anywa, are concentrated in the east, although they too can also be found in other parts of South Sudan.

• At independence, South Sudan was at war with at least seven armed groups. According to UN figures, the various conflicts affected nine of its ten states, with tens of thousands displaced. Joseph Kony's Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) also operates in a wide area that includes South Sudan.

• President Salva Kiir alleged that on 14 December 2013, a (largely Nuer) faction of the Sudan People's Liberation Army loyal to former vice president Riek Machar attempted a coup d'état and that the attempt was put down the next day. However, fighting broke out, igniting the South Sudanese Civil War.

• There were ethnic undertones between the Dinka and Nuer in the fighting. This fighting killed hundreds of thousands of civilians and has diplaced millions of people.

Culture and Life in a Refugee Camp

• Due to the many years of civil war, the culture is heavily influenced by the countries neighboring South Sudan. Many South Sudanese fled to Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda where they interacted with the nationals and learnt their languages and culture.

• Western-style clothing is common, especially in cities and towns. Traditional dress varies throughout the country and among ethnic groups. Because of the hot climate, clothing tends to be loose-fitting and of light material.

• One of the most important forms of cultural expression among nonliterate groups in South Sudan is oral tradition. It is used as a vehicle for the creative expression of folklore and myths as well as for the recounting of history and traditions.

• Most groups observe patrilineal descent, but the significance of such agnatic ties among kin groups differs from one society to another. 

• South Sudan has a rich, long cultural history. However, decades of marginalization by the northern-based government of Sudan, the long-running civil conflict, and the necessary focus on constructing basic infrastructure have meant that historically only limited resources could be devoted to cultural institutions.

• The southern Sudanese come from a very patriarchal society, with clearly prescribed roles for men and women. Cooperation within the group is critical, and it is taboo to promote one’s self interest above the community interests.

• For the Dinka and Nuer, marriages are usually arranged, and dowries play a major role for an entire extended family.

• In southern Sudan, food production is the single activity that absorbs the energy of the people.

• The civil war has destroyed much of the economy in the South and caused significant loss of people, cattle, and crops.

• The southern Sudanese diet is similar to that of its African neighbors. Milk, lamb, chicken, rice, and vegetables are key ingredients. Food is often served from a common dish and eaten with flat bread.

• The majority of the refugees are women and children, many of whom flee across the border alone. Often, they arrive weak and malnourished. When the rainy season comes, their needs are compounded by flooding, food shortages and disease.

• Uganda currently hosts the most South Sudanese refugees, having taken in more than one million.

• In many ways, life in the camp has been like that in any other African village, with the youth living in clusters that serve a family-like function.

Adjusting to Life in America

• Sudanese refugees may struggle to learn the importance of time and of keeping/making appointments in the U.S.

• Their expectations are high. A Sudanese worker said that the Priority Two and Unaccompanied Minor refugees “are so used to humanitarian aid and the style of relief workers, that they may think everyone in the U.S. will want to help them, too.”

• They will need help in setting realistic goals, managing time, making decisions, and maintaining a positive attitude.

• A Nuer source said the Sudanese do not accept the concept of “no.” Yet, resettlement staff have noted that the Sudanese do learn about the limits imposed on them “when all efforts at negotiation fail.”