Evolution of South Sudan’s Culture

Abstract

South Sudan’s struggle for independence from historic Sudan has profoundly shaped the culture and the values of its people. This struggle led to the development of a martial culture that values military service, but also normalizes extreme levels of violence against civilians. Fighting – beginning in 1983 with the first of the independence movements and continuing today with an ongoing civil war – has displaced more than four million Southerners, undermining, and in some cases destroying, traditional tribal systems of governance, social traditions, and economic livelihoods. It has also contributed to distrust of the north and feelings of victimization. The independence movement also played a key role in creating the unstable political system of South Sudan. Seeking international support, John Garang – the leader of movement – first adopted implemented Marxist ideas and then Western democratic principles as the international political climate changed, retaining key aspects of each and creating an uneasy combination. This – combined with economic forces - prevented the development of strong institutions. Corruption remains rampant, destroying public trust in the government. Tribal rivalries—although temporarily abated by Garang’s movement—haven torn the country apart in a new civil war, deepening existing cleavages. Nonetheless, there have been some positive developments. The spread of Christianity and the development of an indigenous church has been a powerful counterforce against government corruption and a violent, martial culture. In addition, the South Sudanese people have found ways of coping with chaos, mass atrocities and starvation, demonstrating their extraordinary resilience to adversity.