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Raising awareness to realize the goal of Darfur free of Explosive remnants of War

Photo by Hamid Abdulsalam, UNAMID.

On 04 April 2018, Raising Awareness among communities in Darfur on the risk of the Explosive remnants of War (ERW) was the focus of the commemoration of the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action held in El Fasher, North Darfur under the theme “ Needs Driven, People Centered”. 

The event organized by UNAMID Ordnance Disposal Office (ODO) in partnership with the National Mine Action Centre (NMAC) included El Fasher Got Talent competition in songs, poems and drawing of risk Education materials on the ERW as well as a risk education session and a musical concert by the Darfuri musician Fathi Almahi.

Addressing the occasion, UNAMID representative, Mr. Aderemi Adekoya read out the UN Secretary General message on the Day, in which the UNSG highlighted the collaboration between UNAMID and the NMAC to remove Explosive remnants of War as both humanitarian action and building stone for peace. “I am happy to report that this collaborative exertions have resulted in all registered areas in Kereinik and Forobaranga, West Darfur, being declared ERW free, said UN SG.

 “ This is the goal we have been supporting the National Mine Action Centre to attain in all states- an ERW free Darfur and a restoration of stable, safe communities”, added the SG.

On his part, Jeffrey McMurdo, Programme Manager, UNAMID ODO, stated that the ERW is real and they are the consequences of conflict in Darfur.  “With the current ceasefires there is hope there will no longer be new ERW, and we can help the National Mine Action Centre to realize the goal of Darfur free of ERW’ said McMurdo.

The representative of the Wali (Governor) of North Darfu, Mr. El Hadi Burma Salih stated that celebrating the International Day for Mine Action is very important for raising awareness among the community on the risk of the ERW and expressed the government readiness for cooperation with UNAMID to make North Darfur free of ERW.  

El Hadi Abdallah Adam, from Nada Alazhar local organization stated that raising awareness among the communities is important to prevent deaths and injuries caused by the ERW.

For over 10 years UNAMID ODO has been clearing and sometimes re-cleaning those parts of Darfur affected by the conflict. In the past years UNAMID have destroyed 5,162 unexploded ordnance and 91,646 rounds of ammunition as well as conducted clearance activities in 190 villages across Darfur.