SUMMARY

Southern Sudanese was a term used to denote those that came from the southern area of Sudan prior to its autonomous separation and independence from the country in 2011; now known as South Sudan. They were distinguished from the Northern Sudanese, who came from the geographical area of modern-day Sudan.

The majority of Southern Sudanese were Christians, whilst the Northern Sudanese, were Muslim Arabs. However, these simplified generalizations did not define either group and was not true for all members. In fact, many members of both groups had a mixed Afro-Arab background. The Southern Sudanese were closely-linked to and dominated several rebel groups that fought against the Government of Sudan such as the [SPLM/A](/#/actor/466