Country brief: South Sudan
A brief introductory overview of the environmental dimensions of the conflict in South Sudan, with facts, figures and further reading.
South Sudan has been caught in a cycle of civil conflicts since 1955. Now an independent nation, control over natural resources such as oil and timber has been key to its recurrent periods of violence. Once home to some of the richest and most populous wildlife habitats in Africa, insecurity and the availability of arms have driven severe losses in biodiversity, the true extent of which remains unclear. Pollution from its oil industry plagues oil producing areas with lax controls over environmental standards.
Publications
Blogs
Conflict cycles and the management of Protected Areas in South Sudan
South Sudan is rich in biodiversity but it has suffered as a result of its recurring civil wars. In this blog Adrian Garside examines wildlife conservation efforts that took place before, during and after its latest civil war in an effort to protect its natural heritage.
Weapon proliferation challenges biodiversity protection in South Sudan
Adrian Garside examines the complex issue of arms proliferation in South Sudan, and the threat it poses to biodiversity protection during and after armed conflict. The ready availability of weapons accelerates biodiversity loss and makes wildlife conservation more dangerous.
External content
PAX/Bellingcat | Black gold burning: in search of South Sudan’s oil pollution
An open source investigation into South Sudan’s oil industry and the pollution it causes through inadequate management and regulation.
South Sudan | National biodiversity strategy and action plan, 2018-2027
The Government of the Republic of South Sudan’s principle instrument for the undertaking of biodiversity management and conservation in the country. It presents a form of baseline, a reference for the status of biodiversity and conservation, as well as a vision for the future.
UNEP | First state of environment and outlook report 2018
This first ever State of the Environment and Outlook report for South Sudan is intended to form the basis and the benchmark for assessments, inventories, mapping and valuation of its vast natural resources; for future planning and the management of natural resources and environmental protection.
Sudd Institute | Climate change and conflict in South Sudan
A paper examining the relationship between climate change and conflict in South Sudan. Some of the important factors the paper highlights include the competition for territory usually based on the land’s fertility.
Wild et al | The militarization of cattle raiding in South Sudan: how a traditional practice became a tool for political violence
An analysis of the politicisation of the pastoral practice of cattle raiding in South Sudan, and its enduring consequences on peace and stability.
Saferworld | Informal armies: community defence groups in South Sudan’s civil war
An examination of the mobilisation and transformation of South Sudan’s many informal armies, with a focus on three case studies. The utility of this paper is its provision of essential context relevant for community-based solutions to environmental peacebuilding and natural resource management.
Alex de Waal | When kleptocracy becomes insolvent: brute causes of the civil war in South Sudan
An explanation of how South Sudan’s system of government led to its civil war.
Meron Tesfamichael | South Sudan and the complications of state building through peacebuilding
An analysis of the internal struggle to build the state of the new South Sudan and the international community’s assistance, which became a violent civil war of state formation.