Republic of Congo

MAG contributes to peace-building and security in the country by tackling the threat of unsecured weapons and ammunition.

The problem

During the period 1993-1999, the Republic of Congo experienced three main episodes of conflict. Many of the weapons and unexploded ordnance (UXO) used are now being stored in and around military depots in highly populated areas, in conditions which pose a threat to human safety and security.

The presence of these unsecured weapons and ammunition provides a viable means for militia groups to rearm in the event of renewed conflict in the country, and could encourage the illicit trade of such items across any of the five bordering countries.

There is also the likelihood of ammunition store fires or explosions, which have already occurred on several occasions, resulting in civilian deaths and casualties. Unsafe storage conditions were partly responsible for the explosion at the Maya-Maya ammunition depot that scattered explosive material on 26 hectares of land adjacent to the Brazzaville International Airport, contaminated land that will need clearance.

How MAG is helping

In partnership with the country's Ministry of Defence, MAG contributes to peace-building initiatives and security efforts, through identifying, surveying and destroying small arms and light weapons (SALW), MANPADS (man-portable air defence systems), and other explosive ordnance.

These pose a threat due to their degraded state, storage conditions and proximity to local communities.

See these pages for detailed information on MAG's work in the Republic of Congo:

Note, April 2010: MAG’s programme in the country is now on stand-down whilst we await confirmation of future funding. It is expected that operations will restart in summer 2010 once further funding is secured.

Your donation to MAG helps us to move into current and former conflict zones to clear the remnants of conflict, enabling recovery and assisting the development of affected populations.

Beneficiaries

By destroying SALW in hazardous states, the likelihood of explosions from tampering or poor storage of these items – which have densely populated communities living within their explosive footprint – is significantly reduced.

Technical support and training given to the military (Forces Armées Congolais) increases the country's ability to deal effectively with the problem itself and strengthens its commitment to SALW destruction and stockpile management.