MAG Destroys Small Arms in DRC and Sudan to Mark International Small Arms Destruction Day
As Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) try to emerge from decades of civil war, the proliferation of small arms and light weapons poses a major threat to a fragile peace in these two countries. MAG has responded to this threat by initiating programs that clear unsecured and dangerous weapons from southern Sudan and western DRC. While governments gathered at the UN to negotiate global guidelines on the international arms trade from June 26 to July 7, MAG took practical steps to get rid of the weapons that are a barrier to lasting peace.
In March 2006 MAG teams became aware of a stockpile of weapons and ammunition in Mbandaka town in DRC's Equateur Province. The stockpile included several thousand assorted rifles, machine guns, and heavy calibre weapons that were handed over as part of the demobilization process overseen by the UN.
MAG teams marked Destruction Day by joining with several Congolese officers to destroy a variety of weapons from this stockpile, including sub-machine guns and assault rifles. In addition to the weapons, 100 60mm mortars, 20 rocket-propelled grenades and 20 M-60 rifle grenades were also destroyed. After the demolition the MAG teams conducted a demonstration to show proper techniques for rendering a weapon completely inoperative.
 |  |
| MAG DRC's Technical Field Manager with Congolese officers from the Force Armées de la Republique Democratique du Congo (FARDC) | Members of FARDC cut an assault rifle following a briefing and demonstration by MAG's Technical Field Manager Paul Leader. |
The stockpile from which these weapons were removed presents a serious threat to the residents and local infrastructure of Mbandaka town. In recognizing this danger, local authorities requested MAG support in destroying those items which are unsafe or surplus. MAG America is scheduled to initiate support for a project that will destroy weapons from this stockpile starting in September 2006. This project will significantly increase the personal physical safety and security of the local population.
In the week leading up to Destruction Day, MAG teams in southern Sudan destroyed over 63,000 harmful items, including bullets, mortar shells, projectiles, and rockets. A SAM 7 STRELLA (and anti-aircraft missile launcher) and an Air to Surface Rocket Pod, were both expertly handled and disposed of by the teams. Many of these items were cleared from stockpiles located near two schools, where they had previously presented a serious threat to the school children and teachers. Others were removed from arable land and warehouses that can now be used by local farmers to grow crops and store grain, maize, and other farming equipment.
 |  |
| A stockpile in southern Sudan from which MAG teams removed and destroyed dangerous items to mark Destruction Day. | A group of children whose lives will now be safer thanks to MAG's clearance work near two schools in southern Sudan. |
MAG America’s support in southern Sudan has contributed to the rehabilitation and development of local communities that have suffered from decades of conflict. In the village of Wudu the community leaders expressed their gratitude for MAG’s destruction activities, thanks to which “they can now sleep peacefully.”
MAG America's small arms and light weapons project in Sudan is currently supported by the Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, U.S. Department of State. Click here for more information about the program.
