MAG has launched a new humanitarian mine action programme in Sudan in response to the ongoing conflict, where landmine and explosive ordnance contamination are putting millions at risk of harm.
The new programme responds to this urgent need by conducting land surveys to identify hazardous areas, clearing unexploded ordnance – including landmines, and delivering risk education sessions to keep communities safe. The programme will strengthen the capacity of national mine action NGOs to respond to the large-scale contamination and support the broader humanitarian response.
This vital work will protect civilian populations from death and injury, while enabling the safe and voluntary return of displaced communities, reestablishing critical services and infrastructure, and supporting agriculture and livelihoods. By clearing explosive ordnance, this work will also facilitate humanitarian access and programming, such as health, nutrition and food security.
Humanitarian mine action activities will be carried out through MAG’s partner – a national, humanitarian and development NGO. Technical oversight and capacity support will be provided by experienced MAG staff.
From Khartoum, MAG’s new Country Director for Sudan Whitney Hostetter said: “This new programme reflects the urgency of the situation on the ground. Sudan is facing widespread explosive contamination on top of an already severe humanitarian crisis, making humanitarian mine action an essential priority for relief efforts. These initial operations will be a crucial first step for communities to be able to return and rebuild safely.”
Speaking about the programme, MAG’s CEO Darren Cormack said: “Throughout our history, MAG has stepped forward in the most difficult and complex environments to address urgent threats to civilian safety. The scale of the crisis in Sudan makes it one of the most serious challenges we have faced in recent years. We are ready to respond with the same resolve, commitment and determination that has defined MAG over the past decades – applying our extensive expertise and experience to clear and destroy explosive remnants of war.”
MAG’s programme has been launched in response to the ongoing crisis in Sudan. The current conflict, which erupted in April 2023, has resulted in the world’s largest humanitarian emergency, with widespread death, injury and famine. More than three million people have fled the country, and over twelve million have been uprooted from their homes, leading to the biggest internally displaced population in the world.
Landmines and explosive ordnance are exacerbating the crisis. Prior to the onset of the recent conflict, 33 million square metres of land were estimated to be contaminated from previous hostilities. Sudanese authorities currently estimate at least a further 22 million square metres to be newly contaminated, including by landmines, mortars, projectiles, and grenades. This is likely to be an under-estimation of the scale of the problem.
Ms Hostetter added: “Many civilians have little choice but to risk entering hazardous areas as they return to their homes. The contamination also prevents the safe delivery of essential humanitarian aid and the reestablishment of infrastructure. Essential services, including schools and clinics, have been heavily damaged and are likely contaminated with deadly items, such as bombs.”
Initial operations will be focused on the capital, Khartoum and nearby areas, with the potential to expand into other conflict-affected states such as Al Gezira, Blue Nile, and North Kordofan.
MAG will conduct this clearance and all other mine action activities in line with humanitarian principles, regardless of the origin of the landmines and other explosive ordnance.
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