South Sudan, once celebrated as a promising new nation, has become a symbol of a forgotten conflict. Despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the urgent need for international support, the country is increasingly fading from global attention. But why is one of the world’s economically weakest nations lacking the necessary recognition?
One key reason for the limited international awareness is the lack of reliable information, partly due to the difficulties journalists face in accessing the country—many areas can only be reached by charter flights. This prevents the international community from accurately assessing the situation. Additionally, the crisis is often overshadowed by other global events, such as those in Ukraine or the Middle East, which receive more media coverage. The country’s lack of economic significance for major industrial nations may also play a role—despite South Sudan being rich in natural resources.
Around 90% of state revenues come from oil production. However, since April 2024, exports have been disrupted due to the war in Sudan, resulting in massive revenue losses. Developing a processing industry could help South Sudan refine raw materials locally and increase its economic value. However, this would require significant investments in infrastructure and education. Yet, the unstable political situation and ongoing conflicts deter foreign investors. Furthermore, South Sudan’s agriculture suffers from armed attacks and landmines, rendering many farmlands unusable.
Economic factors are not the only obstacles to the country’s development. Two-thirds of the population have been dependent on emergency aid for 14 years, leading to a certain crisis fatigue in international reporting. As a result, the United Nations’ 2024 funding appeal for South Sudan remains severely underfunded, currently covered at only 10.3%.
In April 2024, media attention briefly shifted to South Sudan due to the violence in Sudan and the so-called refugee wave. This includes both returnees, forced to flee Sudan’s deteriorating conditions back to their homeland, and Sudanese refugees using South Sudan as a transit country. However, the state itself is hardly able to meet the basic needs of its own vulnerable population.
Targeted measures are necessary to lead South Sudan out of the crisis: stronger international support, investments in infrastructure and education, and sustainable political reforms. Only through long-term peace strategies and sustainable development efforts can the country have a chance at stability and economic growth. Until then, South Sudan remains a tragic example of a forgotten conflict that needs to be brought back to the world’s attention.