Nearly two years of intense conflict have left Sudan facing a severe and growing explosive ordnance (EO) crisis, threatening civilians and impeding humanitarian efforts,” the UN said on Thursday.
As the world marks the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action on 4 April, under the theme “Safe Futures Start Here”, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, called for an urgent scale-up of mine action activities across the country.
“The widespread presence of unexploded ordnance is a silent killer in Sudan’s villages, towns and cities,” Ms. Nkweta-Salami said. “Every day that passes without action increases the risk to civilian lives.”
According to a press release from the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), EO contamination is found in civilian spaces such as homes, backyards, schools, hospitals, and streets. As civilians return to areas such as Khartoum and Wad Madani, explosive hazards pose a major barrier to safe movement, access to essential services, and humanitarian aid delivery.
“The mine action community has been working tirelessly to mitigate these risks, conducting life-saving awareness campaigns and resuming survey and clearance operations in high-risk areas like Omdurman,” UNMAS said. “Despite challenging conditions, these efforts have been critical in safeguarding civilians and aid workers.”
Mine action partners are ramping up awareness efforts across media platforms to promote safe behaviour among vulnerable populations. The international community, UN agencies, donors, and individuals are urged to amplify these messages by sharing available resources, including an awareness video designed to educate at-risk communities.
With conflict ongoing and displacement and return movement increasing, the EO threat continues to rise. “I call on all parties to immediately halt the use of explosive weapons in urban areas and civilian infrastructure,” Ms. Nkweta-Salami said.
Additionally, urgent support is needed to intensify mine action efforts — not only to warn communities of dangers but also to remove these threats to ensure safe roads, homes, schools, hospitals, and cities for Sudan’s people,” UNMAS said.