In December 2013, South Sudan was plunged into chaos after reports surfaced of a coup attempt against President Salva Kiir. The tension had been brewing for months, fueled by ethnic divisions and power struggles within the ruling Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM). Clashes initially broke out in the capital city of Juba, signaling a major rupture within the military as factions loyal to Kiir and those who supported former Vice President Riek Machar engaged in fierce battles. The government claimed to have thwarted the coup, but the violent response ignited widespread conflict across the nation.

The initial confrontation on the night of the 14th escalated as soldiers took to the streets, with both sides reportedly committing violence. The fighting rapidly spread beyond Juba, leading to ethnic reprisals and fighting in various states across South Sudan. Civilian populations were caught in the crossfire, suffering harrowing losses and massive displacements. By the end of the year, the conflict had resulted in thousands of deaths and was marked by severe human rights violations, prompting the international community to call for action.

As the situation deteriorated, regional and global powers awoke to the potential for a humanitarian disaster. Nations rallied to provide assistance to mitigate the suffering, while the United Nations mandated peacekeeping operations. The aftermath of these events set the stage for an ongoing conflict that would continue to claim lives and exacerbate the struggles of the South Sudanese people for years to come.