Articles - Miscellaneous

De-Mining in Mozambique

Amnesty International is launching a new campaign for tougher arms control and is calling for an international Arms Trade Treaty which seeks to restrict the export of arms, especially to unstable regimes. The treaty covers small arms but not landmines. These are covered by the Mine Ban Treaty concluded in 1997 which includes both persistent and self destructing mines. However this treaty has not been ratified by the US who are now arguing for the continued use of self destruct anti-personnel mines.

Our eldest daughter is in Mozambique working as a volunteer for VSO. Mozambique, still one of the poorest African countries, having emerged from a prolonged and bitter civil war, still has to import most of its food, as the arable land has not yet been cleared of mines. Last year she visited a de-mining project outside the capital Maputu and the following is a brief extract from her letter.

'-- We visited the headquarters of a de-mining programme, and were told that the current programme has been going on for several years and will continue for several years more. It has bought its own casualties: many engineers have been killed or maimed in the course of their work. Of the original 500 men who began work in the Maputu area three years ago, only 300 are still there. Apart from land mine accidents many have died from illness (probably AIDs related.) We then were taken 50km out of Maputo to an area that was being cleared at the moment (going) along the road toward Swaziland. It was one of the most beautiful drives I've ever undertaken. At the minefield we were given goggles and incredibly heavy protective aprons to wear.

-- the guys have first to clear all vegetation away and then go over the cleared area, inch by inch with all sorts of metal detectors. It is painstaking work as there may be iron and bits of (non mine) metal in the ground.

When they find a mine they make it safe and then blow it up. -- After being sent to a safe area, we were able to watch one being destroyed. First the mine was made safe by cutting the wire. A long coil of wire was attached to the detonator. After a shout of 'Fogo' (Fire), the key to the detonator was turned and three seconds later there was a loud explosion where the mine had been. Everything was done with enormous discipline and regards for safety. The commander in charge said that having lost so many colleagues they had learnt not to take any chances.

We walked back to the mini bus and were relieved of our protective gear. We'd only been there an hour but I was nearly fainting with the heat. The guys who are out there all day in the sun, wear the protective gear all the time. I was impressed and humbled by those incredibly dedicated and professional men, doing such a physically gruelling job in such conditions. It's of vital importance that the mines get cleared so that people can start farming again. --- however they won't get paid much, are lonely and isolated for months on end in the relentless heat, with the ongoing risk of getting blown up if they make a mistake. I just wish some of the people who sell anti personnel mines could see them, and also see the grisly photos we were shown of the victims of landmine accidents. ---'

Jill Vogler

26 February, 2006