Khartoum: UN officials and mine experts have raised concerns about the escalating threat posed by landmines and explosives to Sudanese civilians, which also obstructs the delivery of humanitarian aid amid ongoing conflicts between the army and paramilitary forces.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the conflict between Sudanese army forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has created severe security and logistical challenges for demining teams. These challenges hinder their efforts and expand the areas affected by explosive remnants, thus impeding recovery and reconstruction initiatives.
Director General of Sudan's National Mine Action Center (NMAC), Maj. Gen. Khalid Hamdan, reported to KUNA that 40 explosion incidents, triggered by landmines or explosive remnants of war, have occurred since last April. These incidents have resulted in at least 16 fatalities and over 50 injuries across Khartoum, River Nile, Al-Jazirah, and Singa. Demining operations are actively underway in Khartoum, Al Jazirah, White Nile, and North Kordofan.
NMAC has launched eight new demining teams across various states, adding to five existing teams, bringing the total number to 13. However, Hamdan expressed concerns over challenges such as loss of vehicles, equipment, pollution, and inadequate financing, which are exacerbated by the ongoing conflict.
He emphasized the need for training more workers and securing governmental and foreign support, citing that demining operations demand significant resources. Since the conflict erupted, international technical and financial assistance has ceased. The NMAC requires approximately USD 90 million this year, yet donors have only pledged USD 10 million.
Despite lacking precise statistics, field teams have detonated over 13,000 OUX shells, prepared 4,000 others for detonation, and handled more than 37,000 small munitions in Omdurman. Sudanese authorities anticipate more explosion incidents due to widespread landmines and ERWs, particularly in Al-Fasher City, amid continued hostilities.
The UN Department of Safety and Security announced that central Khartoum will remain inaccessible to relief agencies until January 2026 due to mines and ERWs from the ongoing conflict. Demining experts estimate that 10 percent of live ammunition in Sudan remains unexploded, primarily around the airport and Presidential Palace, which are near UN offices.
Sediq Rashid, Chief of the Mine Action Program in Sudan, highlighted the rising dangers as internally displaced persons return to contaminated areas, where mines may be visible or concealed. The UN has recorded fatal incidents involving children and women, including the death of 10 civilians from an antitank mine explosion in Shendi City.
Despite these challenges, the Sudanese National Mine Action Center (NMAC) is striving to increase public awareness of landmines and unexploded devices. Since November, they have deployed demining teams in safer states and organized training workshops for 90 young people in Omdurman, as reported by the center's chief.