Ethiopia

Ethiopia’s history of armed conflict has left behind a serious legacy of landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW). Past and recent conflicts – including the Ethiopia-Eritrea War (1998–2000) and the 2020–2022 civil war – have particularly impacted northern regions, where contamination endangers lives, restricts livelihoods, and impedes access to basic services. It is estimated that 125.2 million square metres of land remains suspected or confirmed to be contaminated by explosive ordnance in the country.

Since gaining accreditation in 2024, MAG has established operations in Ethiopia and is working to reduce the risks posed by landmines and explosive remnants of war in conflict-affected communities. Through explosive ordnance risk education (EORE), survey, clearance, and institutional capacity strengthening, MAG supports safer communities and contributes to long-term recovery efforts.

Preliminary assessments by national and international actors have identified a significant presence of explosive hazards, though a comprehensive national survey is still pending. As a result, the full scale of contamination remains unclear, reinforcing the urgency for coordinated mine action efforts.

In northern Ethiopia, explosive hazards continue to restrict safe access to farmland, water sources, schools, healthcare facilities, and other essential services. These risks particularly affect displaced families seeking to return home and communities attempting to rebuild their livelihoods following conflict.

In Tigray, explosive ordnance continues to pose significant risks, with multiple districts identified as priority areas for mine action activities. In Afar and Amhara regions, explosive remnants of war continue to limit safe access to land and essential resources, affecting the daily lives of local communities.

Children are among the most vulnerable, often encountering dangerous items during daily activities. Without concerted action, these risks will continue to threaten lives and hinder national recovery and development.

MAG works closely with communities, local authorities, and national stakeholders to reduce risks and support safer environments for affected populations.

Working with local partner Empowering People for Sustainable Solutions (EPSS) MAG delivers EORE sessions in conflict-affected communities, helping people identify explosive hazards and adopt safer behaviours.  MAG will prioritise returnees and IDPs who are seeking to resettle in areas affected by EO contamination in the north. Particular attention will be given to women, children, persons with disabilities, older people, and minority groups.

MAG also works with trained Community Focal Points who extend life-saving safety messages through local networks and informal community outreach.

To support future clearance activities, MAG conducts Non-Technical Surveys (NTS) and gathers community-reported hazard information to better understand contamination and support evidence-based planning and prioritisation.

In 2026, MAG will begin clearance operations for the first time in Ethiopia. This will enable the delivery of other essential services and agricultural activities to recommence. Activities will be sequenced where possible with those of other actors working in agriculture, education and protection, supporting durable recovery.

In parallel, MAG works closely with the Ethiopian Mine Action Office (EMAO) and relevant authorities to strengthen national mine action capacity through technical training, operational support, and institutional development. 

Together, these interventions contribute to the immediate safety of communities in Ethiopia, and help clear the path for longer-term recovery.