(18-05-23) MOGADISHU – The Japanese government has donated a million dollars to aid humanitarian demining efforts in conflict-affected Somalia, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) announced this month (May). The funds are to be channelled towards the ‘Promoting Peace and Safety in Somalia’ project, aiming to neutralize the threats posed by landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) to vulnerable communities across the nation.
“We are grateful for the continued support from Japan,” said Justin Smith, UNMAS Chief of Mine Action in Somalia. “UNMAS is improving security for the Somali people and coordinating humanitarian mine action intervention in the country.”
Landmines and ERW pose a constant threat to Somali life, with 1,179 civilian casualties reported since 2004. Furthermore, explosive contamination impedes economic growth by restricting land access and preventing socio-economic activities.
UNMAS will focus on the Federal Member State Galmudug, which has a high level of explosive ordnance contamination. Non-technical surveys will ascertain contamination levels and promote community awareness about associated risks.
The Somali government, affiliated with the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC) since 2012, was recently granted a five-year extension to fulfil its mine clearance obligations by 2027. The ‘Promoting Peace and Safety in Somalia’ project, boosted by the Japanese donation, will support these clearance efforts and help Somalia meet international treaty obligations.
