In 1983 the Second Sudanese Civil War began. It was simply a continuation of the First Sudanese Civil war ending in 1972. I have never learned about this war, though it was one of the longest, most destructive wars in the 20th century. About 1.9 million civilians lost their lives and 4 million throughout the war became refugees (Wiki). The main cause of this second civil war was the dispute between the Northern Sudanese and the Christian/animist Nilotes of Southern Sudan over religion, economics, and ethnic differences.
The Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) was a rebel group that was formed during this war to oppose the Sudan government. This group protected large numbers of young men from being recruited to the Sudanese Army by placing them in a camp in Polataka, South Sudan. This camp is controlled solely by the rebel officers who in turn trained these young boys to fight against the government.
It is sad to think that these boys are raised in an environment so open to violence and hatred. I enjoy the simplicity of this picture. Nature in itself brings peace. These boys are simply trying to enjoy a childhood that they have been lacking; a safe haven where they can escape the monstrosity of war. What better place then a tree?
Works Cited:
"Sudan People's Liberation Army/Movement." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 2010. Web. 17 Feb. 2010.
Photograph from Sebastiao Salgado's book, " Migrations: Humanity in Transition."
The Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) was a rebel group that was formed during this war to oppose the Sudan government. This group protected large numbers of young men from being recruited to the Sudanese Army by placing them in a camp in Polataka, South Sudan. This camp is controlled solely by the rebel officers who in turn trained these young boys to fight against the government.
It is sad to think that these boys are raised in an environment so open to violence and hatred. I enjoy the simplicity of this picture. Nature in itself brings peace. These boys are simply trying to enjoy a childhood that they have been lacking; a safe haven where they can escape the monstrosity of war. What better place then a tree?
Works Cited:
"Sudan People's Liberation Army/Movement." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 2010. Web. 17 Feb. 2010.
Photograph from Sebastiao Salgado's book, " Migrations: Humanity in Transition."
Thanks for all the information it is very interesting. Like you, I had never heard of the Sudanese Civil war. It is amazing to me that millions of people could die and be relatively unnoticed by a majority of the population. I am also seeing a trend in many of these African wars and genocides. The men in charge make sure that children are involved with the conflict at a young age. They are socialized at young age to hate and to kill. It is depressing for me to see it.
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