MAG clearance teams lead the way in DR Congo
Story by Dan Sissling, Photo by Sean Sutton
MAG's team in DR Congo has achieved remarkable results during the summer. The team cleared more land and destroyed more unexploded ordnance (including various landmines) than all of the other demining NGOs working in the country, combined. These results were achieved against the tense backdrop of the country's first domestic elections in more than 40 years.
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| A MAG team prepares UXO for destruction |
During July, MAG teams funded by the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Britain's Department of International Development and the Swedish Development and Cooperation Agency, along with material support from Guernsey Overseas Aid, cleared 14,452 dangerous items from 15,150 sq/m of land. These items included unexploded ordnance (UXO) and small arms ammunition. The community liaison teams identified 181 dangerous areas and provided 75 Mine Risk Education sessions to approximately 9,000 people.
Now that the elections have passed relatively calmly, MAG hopes that this is an indication of the peace the country can look forward to and prosper in. MAG will continue to contribute to the development of this peace by continuing to clear hazardous areas and ensuring that the risk of injury or death is minimised by providing Mine Risk Education.
