The Republic of South Sudan gained Independence on 9th July 2011 following decades of civil war.
An estimated two million people were killed in the fighting between Northern forces and the rebel Sudanese People’s Liberation Army (SPLA). A further four million were displaced after being forced to flee the fighting.
South Sudan had almost its entire infrastructure destroyed during the war. With an illiteracy rate of 92%, a lack of basic health care, clean water and food and a huge returning population, it faces many challengers.
Pictures and Video shot on assignment for Cafod.