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Location

Online Asynchronous

Access Type

Open Access

Entry Number

140

College

Lynchburg College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Political Science

Keywords

Federalism, ethnicities, federalism, segregation, diversity, war, peace, education, independence, constitution

Abstract

South Sudan is the newest country in the world, earning their independence in 2011 after decades of civil war with Sudan, their former parent. Since then, South Sudan has tragically been further plagued by civil war due to the diverse array of ethnicities that live in South Sudan, each considering themselves a separate people with their own language, culture and traditions. Further compounding this issue is access to water for cattle grazing as the pastoral nature of some tribes infringe on the farming nature of others. Making matters worse are the two primary political parties being dominated by two different ethnicities, Dinka versus Nuer, each being longtime rivals. As a result, lethal civil war continues despite the current “peace” of a transitional government intended to bring about a new federalism-based constitution.

One key feature of the problem within South Sudan is the lack of ethnic unity within public education. All public schools in South Sudan are segregated by ethnic group, only mixing with other ethnic groups upon entering university. The segregation is extreme and stark, even though it is partly due to each ethnicity being geographically concentrated.

This study will discuss current research focusing on ethnic diversity and civil war in South Sudan and will attempt to determine whether the country’s public education system may be aggravating the issue.

Faculty Mentor(s)

Dr. Marek Payerhin

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Ethno-political Divisions in South Sudan: Cause or Effect?

Online Asynchronous

South Sudan is the newest country in the world, earning their independence in 2011 after decades of civil war with Sudan, their former parent. Since then, South Sudan has tragically been further plagued by civil war due to the diverse array of ethnicities that live in South Sudan, each considering themselves a separate people with their own language, culture and traditions. Further compounding this issue is access to water for cattle grazing as the pastoral nature of some tribes infringe on the farming nature of others. Making matters worse are the two primary political parties being dominated by two different ethnicities, Dinka versus Nuer, each being longtime rivals. As a result, lethal civil war continues despite the current “peace” of a transitional government intended to bring about a new federalism-based constitution.

One key feature of the problem within South Sudan is the lack of ethnic unity within public education. All public schools in South Sudan are segregated by ethnic group, only mixing with other ethnic groups upon entering university. The segregation is extreme and stark, even though it is partly due to each ethnicity being geographically concentrated.

This study will discuss current research focusing on ethnic diversity and civil war in South Sudan and will attempt to determine whether the country’s public education system may be aggravating the issue.