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This conflict proved catastrophic. Over the course of five years, hundreds of thousands lost their lives, while nearly four million were displaced. The war unveiled atrocities committed by both sides and led to a humanitarian disaster dubbed a manmade catastrophe by the United Nations.
Attempts at Peace and the Shifting Political Landscape
After years of brutal fighting, some semblance of hope was restored with the signing of a peace agreement in 2015. However, a shaky unity government formed between Kiir and Machar fell apart in 2016 as violence erupted once more, forcing Machar into exile. Despite sporadic attempts to renew peace negotiations and reignite political dialogue, violence persisted throughout South Sudan.