South Sudan's permanent war: the longest conflict in Africa

Sudan's civil war, which raged from the 1980s until a peace deal was brokered in the early 2000s, marks the longest war ever to take place on the African continent. Dr. Hassan al-Turabi, who served as intellectual mentor of the Sudanese regime for much of the war, states that "We have never known slavery," although many in the south claimed that the north launched regular slave raids into their territory. "There were times when the situation seemed quite hopeless," remarks Nhial Deng, former SPLM Secretary of Foreign Affairs, on the fitful negotiations that finally led to a peace treaty in 2005.
Darfur may dominate the headlines but in Southern Sudan, the story is more positive. After a 21 year civil war, peace seems to be returning to the region and refugees are coming home.

The peace deal agreed between the SPLA and government gives the South greater autonomy. Now, millions of displaced people are returning. "They're our people. They have a right to be here," reasons Vice President of Southern Sudan, Dr Machar. But tensions between the North and South still abound. According to the agreement, the South was supposed to receive 50% of all oil revenues. But some claim this is not happening. "We have received very little revenue", states Machar. Militias, allegedly armed by the government, are still creating terror in the South. Despite this, people like Martha are optimistic. "I'm very happy because I've come home."