The Pakistani Demining Company (PDC) recently found 88 anti-personal mines and 22 unexploded ordinances (UXOs) in a 25,508 square metre area near Kurmuk in Sudan's Blue Nile State.
The figures were revealed by a PDC representative at a demining demonstration in Kurmuk, which drew together military leaders, civil authorities, including Kurmuk Acting Commissioner Sadiq Booba, and local residents.
Safety officer briefing the invitees
One of the participants, Brigadier Ahmed Al-Omda of the Sudan People's Liberation Army, observed, "The PDC has removed 88 anti personal mines, which means it has saved that many lives or limbs."
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The PDC warned that the area was still hazardous, however, noting that local people were cutting trees there and children fiddling with marked mines. Commissioner Booba assured the gathering that all efforts would be made to educate residents and discourage them from such activities to avoid accidents.
Local resident Alamin Araab observed that demining would not only make the area secure but boost the economic situation. "We can use the de-mined land … as grazing fields for our animals. This is going to help us a lot … our animals will also be saved from accidents."
Marking the safety lane
Asked about demining difficulties, a representative of the UN Mine Action Office said the area adjoining the Ethiopian border was challenging due to its topographical configuration. "This is further aggravated by thick undergrowth, local unawareness, irregular pattern of mines and, above all, the mines that go undetected." |
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