MAG has assisted the Burundian Army in demolishing 664 anti-personnel mines.
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The explosives are prepared for demolition |
MAG was requested by the MACC (Mine Action and Coordination Centre)-Burundi UN Chief Technical Advisor to support the demolition of 591 POMZ-2M and 73 TS-50 mines, as planned by Article 4 of the Ottawa Convention (The 1997 Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer or Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction) signed and ratified by the Burundi government.
The demolition took place on Monday 17 March, following preparation work the previous day, with the Burundian President opening the ceremony and Capt. Dismas, Burundian EOD, giving a brief presentation. Also present at the demolition pit were UN Secretary Representative Deputy, the UNDP Representative and the EU Ambassador.
Article 4 of the Ottawa Convention: Destruction of stockpiled anti-personnel mines
Except as provided for in Article 3, each State Party undertakes to destroy or ensure the destruction of all stockpiled anti-personnel mines it owns or possesses, or that are under its jurisdiction or control, as soon as possible but not later than four years after the entry into force of this Convention for that State Party.
Links:
» More on MAG's work in Burundi
» Ottawa Convention text (International Campaign to Ban Landmines website)
» Office of Weapons Removal & Abatement, US Department of State
19 March 08
MAG’s work in Burundi is currently funded and supported by the Office of Weapons Removal & Abatement, US Department of State
