In February 2014, journalist Robert Young Pelton and photojournalist Tim Freccia embarked on a mission to South Sudan, aiming to uncover the root causes of the rapidly deteriorating civil conflict. Sudan’s history has long been marred by warfare, with the Arab North historically oppressing the black Christian South. The discovery of oil in the early 1980s exacerbated tensions, intensifying the conflict. After decades of war, both sides recognized the need for peace to capitalize on the region’s valuable resources.
In July 2011, South Sudan achieved independence, heralding a new era as the world’s newest nation. The Dinka tribe, led by former military commander President Salva Kiir Mayardit, and the Nuer, represented by Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny, formed the nation’s leadership. With hopes high and an official government in place, South Sudan anticipated prosperity and cooperation with its northern neighbor.
However, on December 15th, 2013, chaos erupted when violence spread beyond the capital, Juba, following a reported coup attempt. President Kiir accused his former Vice President, Machar, of instigating the unrest, alleging the involvement of the presidential guard. In the aftermath, Dinka forces and militia targeted Nuer soldiers and civilians, resulting in a tragic loss of life, primarily among the Nuer population.
The following day, President Kiir’s forces besieged Machar’s residence, unaware that he and his wife had fled the night before. To outsiders, the violence appeared as a mere obstacle on the path to progress. However, Machar was plotting retaliation, setting the stage for another devastating civil conflict in South Sudan.
To uncover Machar’s perspective, Pelton enlisted the help of Freccia and Machot Lat Thiep, a former “lost boy” and Nuer child soldier. Together, they embarked on a perilous journey into the South Sudanese bush, seeking to shed light on the unfolding crisis and the motivations driving its protagonists.
Add comment