Though South Sudan achieved independence in 2011, it suffered extreme violence as a result of political and pre-existing ethnic tensions. In December 2013, President Salva Kiir accused Vice President Riek Machar of plotting a coup and removed him from power. As the conflict raged, the South Sudanese civilians suffered one of the worst humanitarian crises. They were displaced from their homes and many fled to neighboring countries. Recent peace agreements in September 2018 reinstated former VP Machar’s power and decreased violence throughout most of the country. However, violence still persists, mainly in the Central Equatoria region. The U.S. government should provide humanitarian assistance to civilians in need and support efforts towards peacebuilding and democracy. 

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