Goto main content

Towards a mine-free Casamance

Explosive weapons
Senegal

The threat of anti-personnel mines still hangs over the people of Casamance despite an end to the conflict[1] in this region of Senegal. Handicap International has been running demining programmes since December 2015. After completing an initial operation in the village of Diagnon, the organisation is now clearing 20,000 square metres in Boutoute, on the outskirts of Ziguinchor, to free villagers from the danger of mines.

 Jonathan Matambo, dog handler and deminer and Katja, mine detection dog in Diagnon.

Jonathan Matambo, dog handler and deminer and Katja, mine detection dog in Diagnon. | © J-J. Bernard / Handicap International

Two mine detection dogs

Launched in October, the mine clearance operation will last two months and secure roads and land on the outskirts of Ziguinchor, benefiting 22,000 people. Handicap International’s team of 15 people includes six mine clearance experts, and two explosion detection dogs. Dogs are better and faster than metal detectors and play a key role in the demining team.

Digger support

“We’ve starting using a Digger now, a huge vehicle that turns the soil and detonates mines in its path. It saves a lot of time,” explains Faly Keita, the coordinator of Handicap International’s operations in Ziguinchor. The dogs then double check the ground.

These demining operations will boost local development by making land available for farming, construction and road-building.

By the time Handicap International’s previous operation ended in August, it had demined 55,000 sq.m., the equivalent of five football pitches in Diagnon, Bafata and Senger. These operations identified and destroyed eight mines, potentially saving eight lives.

According to the authorities, some 100,000 people still live under the threat of mines in Casamance.


[1] The conflict between the Senegalese army and rebels from the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC) started in 1982 and has largely died down, although no official peace agreement has been signed.

Where your
support
helps

PRESS CONTACT

CANADA

Marie-Emmanuelle Cadieux

 

Help them
concretely

To go further

HI assess the contamination by explosive remnants and unexploded ordnance in Gaza
© HI
Emergency Explosive weapons

HI assess the contamination by explosive remnants and unexploded ordnance in Gaza

This is one example of a HI team Explosive Hazard Assessment in Gaza. It took place in Deir el-Balah last December.

Risk education saves lives
© HI
Explosive weapons

Risk education saves lives

As many Syrians return home, it's important to make them aware of the dangers of explosive remnants of war.

Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention
© Brice Blondel / HI
Explosive weapons Prevention Protect vulnerable populations Rights

Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention

According to this morning’s statement, the defense ministers of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are recommending withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, which bans anti-personnel mines.