The Nuba people, in the centre of Sudan have played a significant role in the history of the country, contributing economically, politically, militarily and culturally in the formation of the modern nation. However, since Sudan gained independence in 1956 the Nuba have suffered under successive central governments including the present ,. They have been politically and economically marginalised, ethnically, religiously and socially discriminated against and dispossessed of their lands and culture.

In the face of such oppression many took up armed struggle, fighting alongside the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) since 1985 to defend their land, culture and political rights. By so doing they have made a powerful contribution to the struggle and yet their rights are scarcely acknowledged by the opposition, let alone the Government. It is, therefore, not surprising to see the Nuba people strongly supporting Senator John Danforth in his peace initiatives.

They believe that Danforth’s decision to select the Nuba Mountains to be a test case was the right one coming at a time when there is some hope of support from the international community. This decision surprised many but not to the Nuba. The question is why did he start with the Nuba Mountains rather than Southern Sudan? The simple answer is that they have suffered in isolation for too long, cut off from the rest of the world. In addition by living in the geographical centre of the country they are also central to the long conflict in Sudan and hold the key to vital questions of ethnic rights and religious tolerance.

The Burgenstock Cease-fire Agreement for the Nuba Mountains, which was signed on Saturday 19 January 2002 by both the Sudanese government and the SPLA-Nuba section, was historic, which signifies the importance of the Nuba struggle for freedom, equality and justice.

The accord came as a result of intensive diplomatic efforts by the United States and Switzerland following the laying down of proposals for action by John Danforth. The Nuba people welcomed this accord with great satisfaction as they have been waiting for this moment for more than a decade. Although the Agreement came short of addressing the issues of Nuba political rights and peace for the whole country it is nonetheless a good first step. This is going to be a test for the warring parties. If passed successfully the Nuba case could cement a strong foundation for a comprehensive settlement for the whole country. However we still believe that peace in the Nuba Mountains and for the whole of Sudan is not yet within reach and the way ahead is full of rough and tumble.

All peace initiatives to date in Sudan, whether IGAD, the Egyptian-Libyan initiative, or the U.S. initiative, do not address the political concerns of the Nuba people with sufficient seriousness. They do not spell out in any clear terms what their position would be in relation to the South or the North. For that reason it is feared that the politicians in both Northern and Southern Sudan may achieve agreement at the expense of the Nuba by using their political rights to bargain with. We believe that specific provision for their rights and those of other marginalised people is important for ending the conflict, since they have taken up armed struggle for more than a decade fighting for justice and representation.

It is clear now that both the Sudanese Government and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) have recognised the political rights of the people of Southern Sudan whereas the rights of the Nuba people have not yet been acknowledged on a similar basis. Because of this it is crucial that the Nuba should hold an international conference soon to debate their aspirations and articulate their position.

The good news is that the international community has finally recognised Nuba cause, placed it at the top of its agenda and realised that it will not go away until a genuine solution is found. What is important for the Nuba is that the Swiss Agreement has given them the independent identity they have been demanding over the years. Therefore, it is important that the Nuba should have confidence in themselves, develop their own agenda and determine their political future rather than leaving it to others to speak on their behalf or to decide for them.

The Swiss Cease-fire Agreement is a historic milestone for the Nuba Mountains and we should not allow this opportunity to be missed. As Southern aspirations for independence continue to grow, the danger of polarization in our country is rising, and if we don’t come together to decide our own future, others will do it for us which we may not like.

All Nuba whether in Government or SPLA controlled areas should come together to create a unified group to face the coming challenges. They need to prepare themselves for the coming round table conference, participating as a single Nuba delegation, speaking with one voice.

The next few months will be crucial as there are now intensive diplomatic efforts by countries in the region, the USA and Europe all in search of peace for Sudan. Equally, there are is some movement within the SPLA and the Sudanese government.

The Government is working hard internally and externally. IGAD, at their last meeting in Khartoum in January, agreed on integrating the two peace initiatives: IGAD and Egyptian-Libyan, which President Moi of Kenya was mandated to do, and to arrange a round table conference. Furthermore, the British Government this month appointed a special peace envoy to Sudan. Khartoum welcomed this as a "positive change in British policy toward Sudan".

Could all these efforts bring peace to Sudan at last? We believe that there is opportunity for peace right now and we must not allow this to be missed. Otherwise we are all going to pay a heavy price.