The Assistance to Mine Affected Communities Project (AMAC) is currently undertaking research in Sudan, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka to determine whether there is a link between mine action and peacebuilding. As part of this study, AMAC researchers have spent eight weeks collecting information about mine action in the Nuba Mountains from local and international actors. In addition, to develop a better understanding of the context in which mine action is taking place and the needs of the local population, visits were made to village communities to discuss with inhabitants how their daily lives differ during times of peace and violence.

The study concentrated on villages located near Kauda and Kadugli in the belief that these communities would have knowledge of activities outside their village and access to information from external actors. Six villages, three in Gos controlled areas and three in SPLA controlled areas were visited. Information was gathered through informal free-flowing discussion with groups of people from each of the villages visited.

Based on the information provided by those stayed in the Nuba Mountains during the war.

. Unless informed by soldiers, villagers claimed that they had no early warnings that their village was about to be attracted . There was widespread fear and uncertainty.

. Large-scale population displacement as people left their villages in search of safety. People from same village often made different choices.

-Many went to Khartoum and other towns where they believed they would not be found among large numbers of other people and could escape the fighting.

-Others hid in the mountains to escape immediate threats, and would return to the village when they

felt it was in safe.

-Some moved to other villages which they considered more secure of near to important resources such

as their farmland to avoid travelling.

-Others lived in GoS camps, some of which were located near the original village.

-It is claimed that those who choke to stay in their village or surrounding area did not know where else

to go or had few skills which would enable them to survive in Urban areas.

-Others, particularly the better educated, or those seeking an education fled abroad, often to

neighbouring countries.

. Freedom of movement was severely restricted.

. Cultural practices such as s dancing and brewing alcohol had been restricted.

. There were no educational services.

. Medical care was limited and unless an individual was seriously ill or wounded no effort was made to

seek professional help.

. Lack if food because unable to cultivate land and obtaining water was difficult.

. Cattle and Animals were lost, either because they were stolen or had to be abandoned by people

fleeing their village.

. Traditional land distribution disrupted creating disputes between villages and tribes.

. Income generating activities were limited.

- villagers who stayed in the Nuba Mountains has no foods to trade because they were unable to

farm or collect natural resources.

- markets were closed or trading was restricted because people were unable to travel.

- those who fled to towns did not possess the skills needed in urban areas to employment

opportunities were limited. As large numbers of IDPs were being absorbed into urban areas,

there was also a lot of competition for employment.

- the Nuba Mountains was isolated from normal  economic activity.

Under the cease-fire, the villagers noted many positives changes in their lives. The most important of these changes seemed to be:

. Freedom of movement, some people travelling

between GoS and SPLA territory.

. Feelings of security although many remained

sceptical that it would lead to a lasting peace.

. Income generating activities resume, markets are

re-established, traders coming from outside Nuba

Mountains.

. People returning to their villages.

. Many villagers involved in collecting building

materials and making bricks to rebuild villages.

. Schools being re-established.

. Although still not enough, more food is available .

. Easier to access medical care in other town and

villages.

. Easier to practice traditions.

. Households have begun replacing animals.

Village Level Indicators of Peace

Villagers either hoped or believed that peace would come and suggested what would give them confidence that the peace would last.

. Withdrawal of troops and weapons.

. An end to the killing and shooting, ambushes.

. No longer necessary to flee to the mountains.

. Complete freedom of movement without fear.

. Access to markets.

. Villagers wanted development but usually identified

improved access to water, education and healthcare

are their main priorities.

. Signing of the peace agreement.

. If peace last until the end of the year.

. Many said that life under cease-fire was better than

during the war and claimed that, although they would

like to see further changes, would accept the current

situation for a number of years.

Observations

Water

. lack of access to water is a major problem. The time and enrgy devoted to collecting water prevents households from engaging in other income generating activities and is a serious obstacle to development. Without adequate supplies, village communities will struggle to improve their standard of living themselves.

Access to Information and communication

In the Nuba Mountains, it is recognised that access to information is poor and methods of communication are limited.

. In general, villagers are unaware of what is going on outside their daily lives. Their main concern is survival. They are excluded from/or have little knowledge of politics.

. Despite efforts to disseminate information, many villagers had only a vague understanding, if any, about the cease-fire and the JMC.

. Although radio is the main method of obtaining information, few villagers seemed to have radio sets. Most relied on passers by for information.

. Among the traditional leadership there appear to established communication networks. However, information is not necessarily communicated to ordinary villagers.

. Although apparent that villagers have little access to information about events outside their village, even though they impact on their daily lives, villagers did not expect improved access to information, either through friendship networks and traditional governance systems or through radio. Those claimed that the signing of the peace agreement would make them believe there would be a real peace, had little

Landmines

Although the mine threat is limited and limited to certain areas, and the number of mine incidents is relatively low, landmines are a problem in the Nuba Mountains. During discussions with villages about landmines certain issues were highlighted.

. Some people have no knowledge about landmines and what they can do and how they work.

. Few people knew for certain that a specific area was mined, but suspicion that an area in mine is enough to stop people using it. However, people will continue to use a suspected mined area if it is necessary for their survival.

. It is too early for most villagers to assess the threat of mines. They are too busy trying to re-establish their lives.

. Some villagers have developed what they considered safe routes through mined areas.

. Returnees who do not know which areas are suspected mined are the most vulnerable to mine accidents.

. Villagers do not understand that demining is time consuming and can take many years and that some areas have to be prioritised over others. Consequently, communities become frustrated by the lack of progress and feel that their mine problems around are being ignored.

. The mines around one of the villages have been cleared within a short time of the inhabitants returning to the village. Therefore there was no time for the villagers to discover the true extend of the problem, or learn how it might affect the lives. As the mines were cleared quite quickly, the inhabitants probably presumed it was an easy job, and therefore did not consider mentioning landmines when we visited the village. Neighbouring village communities may also have been led to believe that mine clearance is a quick process.

. The logistical difficulties are a challenge to providing community liaison and mine risk education, however, they remain an important component of mine action.