The following statement has been issued by a group representing
some elements of civil society in Sudan:

Public Statement: Civil Society Groups of New Sudan Condemn
the Killings of Innocent School Children  

February 7th 2000 was a very sad day for Nuba Mountains' children
and mothers.  The Government of Sudan (GOS) heavily bombed a
primary school in Kouda in the Nuba Mountains instantly killing 14
school children including their teacher and wounding 17 others. 
We representing six Sudanese indigenous NGOs, as part and parcel
of the population of New Sudan and the emerging civil society,
hereby strongly outcry and condemn this most inhuman act.  What
crime did these children do to be punished so ruthlessly?  Was it
their crime to receive education and to aspire for brighter future?  A
diplomat with the Sudan Government embassy in Nairobi was
quoted on T.V. saying "the bombs landed where they were
supposed to have landed".

Mothers and sisters of the killed Nuba children are weeping their
dear loss.  The GOS not only bombed the Nuba Mountains, but
also continues to bomb innocent civilians elsewhere in South
Sudan.  On 1st March 2000 another bombardment by the GOS was
conducted in Loui where it killed 3 people and injured many more
as it landed in a market place.  In addition, the end of February and
beginning of March this year, the GOS has been constantly
bombarding Parjok during the nights -what a cowardice act!  While
people are trying to get some sleep. The illegal oil exploitation in
Upper Nile is another major human rights violation by the GOS.  In
fact, the area where the oil is being exploited by the GOS is an area
of dispute - until the matter is resolved politically, the government
has no right to go ahead with such plans.  More importantly, is
GOS  inhuman mechanisms used in this exploitation.  The
population around the oil deposits, are forcibly being depopulated
by the GOS by the GOS.  Anyone seen on sight is immediately
killed for suspiciousness/accused of being against the GOS.  These
people are the right owners of this oil - what crime have/did they
committed to deserve this?  To us, this is a Genocide committed
against our people committed by the GOS and the Canadian-based
oil company, Talisman is an accomplice in it.  In addition, GOS' oil 
revenues are used to purchase more weapons including helicopters
gun ships currently used to depopulate these innocent people, and
hence the escalation of the war and, as a result more innocent
deaths.

Furthermore, towards the end of February this year, the GOS has
yet again, renewed its declaration of Jihad (Holy Islamic War)
against the marginalized people of New Sudan. Thousands of youth
and school children are being recruited to the military to fulfil this
Jihad to enforce GOS' Islamization and Arabization process on the
Sudanese People.  How can a government declare Jihad on its own
people?

While the World is celebrating Women's International Day today,
we the people of New Sudan particularly the women, are not. 
Instead we are calling for your solidarity with the oppressed and
marginalized people of Sudan.  We will not celebrate until a just
and lasting settlement of the Conflict in the Sudan is achieved.
 
Nairobi, 8th March 2000
Signed by:
1. Nuba Relief, Rehabilitation & Development Organization
(NRRDO) e-mail:Nrrdo@maf.org
2. Sudan Medical Care (SMC) e-mail:sumc@net2000ke.com
3. Widows, Orphans and the Disabled Rehabilitation Association of 
New Sudan (WODRANS) e-mail:wodrans@net2000ke.com
4. Sudanese Women's Voice for Peace,
e-mail:lpihap@africaonline.co.ke
5. Mundri Relief and Rehabilitation Association (MRRDA),e-mail:
mrda@maf.or.ke
6. New Sudan Women's Federation (NSWF),
e-mail:nswf@africaonline.co.ke