The Sudan War: An empirical assessment of the effects of Sudan war on South Sudan

Abstract

This study assesses the consequences of the protracted war in Sudan on South Sudan country. The objectives is to establish the drivers of the war and secondly, to determine the consequences of the war on the neighboring South Sudan. The data was collected from focus groups and at times purposively sampling was undertaken targeting those in leadership to understand power dynamics. Among the findings power struggle between the incumbent government and an amorphous RAF, secondly the issue of resources distribution especially gold have driven the escalations. Another important driver has been the historical unresolved governance issues. South Sudan ties with the Sudan considered the northern Sudan is historical. The former ceded or gained independence from the later after an armed struggle for many years that culminated in the referendum in 2011 that gave nod for independence. The two countries still share resources especially the oil resources. The distribution of oil is an agreed arrangement and the Norh is charged with distribution and marketing to the international market. Though the country has held together for more than 10 years and made progress towards nationhood, it has had its share of challenges partly due to power struggles, skewed resources distribution, external interference in exploiting the natural resources, poverty compounded by weak or non-existent institutions and lack of support from the international community. The effects of the war are dire. Around 2millions refuges from Sudan that is a strain not only on the economy but socially affected the country’s ability to take care of its citizenry. The war affected the pipeline that distributes oil to Port of Sudan enroute to international market. The economic recession is exacerbated by dwindling oil revenues occasioning imbalance of payments. The hyperinflation is currently caused by foreign currency inadequacy since the country is solely a consumption one affecting businesses and the poor households.  The recommendations to South Sudan among others include diversifying its revenues to avert overdependence on oil. The historical issues should be resolved through a healing and reconciliation framework.

Key words: power struggle, resource distribution, oil dependence and external interference

DOI: 10.7176/IAGS/102-05

Publication date: December 31^st 2025