This year could be the first time in five years Ibrahim Haron enjoys a bomb-free existence. The possibility comes from a surprise last-minute move from the Obama administration last week to lift U.S. economic sanctions against Sudan in return for a series of concessions, including an end to hostilities in Sudans internal wars in Darfur, the Nuba Mountains and Blue Nile.

But Haron, a 68-year-old shopkeeper who has lived in war for years, is skeptical. He suspects Khartoum will renege on any promise, even one made with the United States.

Civilians [in the Nuba Mountains] have been suffering over five years with false promises from the government of Sudan, Haron said. Until now there have been around 12 rounds of peace talks, but they have not lead to any fruitful results.