South Sudan
Freedom at a Glance
Global Freedom
Not Free
Since a peace agreement was reached in 2018, elections in South Sudan have been delayed; elites preside over an uneasy power-sharing arrangement. The country suffers from rampant corruption and dire economic circumstances. Civilians, journalists, and aid workers have been targeted with atrocities.
Research & Recommendations
South Sudan
Not Free
0
100
| PR Political Rights | -4 40 |
| CL Civil Liberties | 4 60 |
Last Year's Score & Status
1
100
Not Free
A country or territory’s Freedom in the World status depends on its aggregate Political Rights score, on a scale of 0–40, and its aggregate Civil Liberties score, on a scale of 0–60.
See the methodology.
Overview
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011. A civil war began in 2013, when a rift between President Salva Kiir Mayardit and the vice president he dismissed, Riek Machar, triggered fighting among their supporters and divided the country along ethnic lines. Elections have been delayed since a peace agreement was reached in 2018; elites preside over an uneasy power-sharing arrangement. The country suffers from rampant corruption and dire economic circumstances. Press freedom and civil society are restricted, and insecurity has persisted since the end of the war.
Freedom in the World 2026 Policy Recommendations
Strengthen democratic coordination and collective action in a contested global order
Democratic resilience will increasingly depend on stronger coordination among countries that share a commitment to freedom, the rule of law, and accountable governance.
Reimagine international democracy assistance to help reverse the global decline in freedom
International support for democratic institutions, civil society, and independent media has been associated with modest but meaningful improvements in democratic governance, and it is far less costly than the military outlays necessitated by rising authoritarian aggression.
Prioritize engagement with younger generations in the digital spaces where civic identity is now formed
Young people are increasingly dissatisfied with democracy—not because they reject its principles, but because they see institutions failing to deliver on them. Programmatic work should create clear pathways for meaningful political participation, from voting and policy engagement to community organizing and public leadership, so that young people can translate their expectations into agency.
News and Updates
Freedom House Perspectives
News Releases & Media Coverage
Country Facts
Basic Facts
Freedom in the World Score
0
/ 100
Not Free
Population: 10,910,000
Internet Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Election Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Transnational Repression
Status
Not Tracked
