Sudan gained recognition as an independent state in 1956, but civil war between the northern and southern regions had already erupted and continued until 1972. The conflict reignited in 1983, when the military regime in the North imposed sharia law and moved to control the rich resources in the South. In July 2011, South Sudan won independence and was formally acknowledged as a new nation. The first map below illustrates the historical size and location of Sudan on the African continent. The second map depicts the dimensions and location of the newly established nation, South Sudan.
Maker Benjamin and Abuk (right), just married, with friend Thria Hajduroth, South Sudan, 1981
Abuk in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with the late Elizabeth Aguek Mangok, December 1986
Dut and Abuk, pregnant with Aker, Addis Ababa, 1987
Dut Maker Benjamin at five years old in Addis Ababa
Maker Benjamin in Nairobi, Kenya (circa 1992)
David (Dut) Maker Benjamin at 16 years old, Rosemead, Texas
Abuk and Maker Benjamin at a leadership meeting in Abuk’s apartment, Rosemead, Texas (circa 2003)
Maker Benjamin in Rosemead, Texas (circa 2003)
Abuk with friend Asha from Darfur during the 2nd SPLM National Convention, May 2008, Juba, South Sudan
Abuk with Danila Valentina Akol (left) and Mariana Thiik and Yar Manuha Majok (right) representing the Chamber of Commerce receiving the remains of their friend, Jamila Aquil Chud, from Australia
Abuk with colleague Finella Lam at a conference hosted by UN Women, Nairobi, Kenya, October 2022
Abuk giving award at Chamber Quality Awards in Juba, South Sudan, December 2022