As a historical and political analyst, I've studied the complex factors that led to the outbreak of the civil war in Sudan. The conflict is deeply rooted in a multitude of issues, including ethnic tensions, political power struggles, economic disparities, and religious differences. The Second Sudanese Civil War, which lasted from 1983 to 2005, was indeed a continuation of the First Sudanese Civil War that had taken place from 1955 to 1972.

The First Sudanese Civil War was ignited by a variety of factors such as the marginalization of the non-Arab and non-Muslim populations in the southern part of the country by the predominantly Arab and Muslim government in the north. The southern Sudanese, who were predominantly Christian and animist, felt excluded from the political and economic benefits of the nation. This led to the formation of the **Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM)** and the **Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA)**, which sought to address these grievances through armed struggle.

The Second Sudanese Civil War was sparked by unresolved issues from the first conflict and further exacerbated by the introduction of Sharia law by the central government in the late 1980s. This move was perceived as an imposition of Islamic values on the non-Muslim population, particularly in the south, and it intensified the sense of alienation and injustice among these groups.

Economic factors also played a significant role in the conflict. The southern region of Sudan was rich in natural resources, particularly oil, which became a point of contention between the north and the south. The struggle for control over these resources was a key driver of the conflict.

Moreover, the civil war was characterized by a range of human rights abuses, including forced displacements, massacres, and the use of child soldiers, which further complicated the situation and led to a humanitarian crisis. The war resulted in the death of approximately two million people due to the conflict itself, as well as the famine and disease that it engendered.

The international community played a role in attempting to mediate the conflict, leading to several peace agreements and ceasefires. However, it was not until the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005 that a more lasting peace was established, which included provisions for power-sharing and wealth-sharing between the north and the south. This agreement also paved the way for a referendum on independence for South Sudan, which eventually led to the secession of South Sudan from Sudan in 2011.

It is important to note that despite the end of the civil war and the establishment of South Sudan, the region continues to face challenges, including ongoing conflicts, political instability, and economic difficulties.

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The Second Sudanese Civil War was a conflict from 1983 to 2005 between the central Sudanese government and the Sudan People's Liberation Army. It was largely a continuation of the First Sudanese Civil War of 1955 to 1972. ... Roughly two million people died as a result of war, famine and disease caused by the conflict.read more >>