By William Madouk
Experts on land mines have called for concerted measures to eliminate mines and unexploded ordinance in South Sudan.
This plea is made today at the commemoration of the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action (IMAD) 2025 in Juba, under the theme “Safe Futures Start Here,”
The National Mine Action Authority (NMAA) chairperson, Mr. Jurkuch Barach Jurkuch, stated in his remarks, that the day serves as a reminder of the continued danger posed by land mines and war debris.
“This day is a post-celebration of more than two decades of progress towards a mine-free South Sudan, and a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by landmines and explosives remnants of war,” he said.
He added that these deadly hazards continue to endanger lives, restrict access to essential services, and prevent communities from rebuilding.
Mr. Jurkuch cited that South Sudan has achieved significant progress since the introduction of the first humanitarian demining teams in 2004 and the founding of the NMAA.
He underlined that recent accession to the Convention on Cluster Munitions in 2023, and the approval of the first gender equality and diversity policy earlier this year, are significant steps toward establishing a safer nation.
However, the NMAA boss lamented problems such as flooding, insufficient infrastructure, continued insecurity, and dwindling donor assistance, all of which jeopardize progress.
To him, every delay in clearance of unexploded ordinance prolongs fear and suffering and Denies families the opportunity to farm, children the safety to walk to school, and communities the chance to thrive.
“Landmines, cluster munitions, and other explosive hazards do not just scare our land. They rob us of lives, livelihoods, and other hope,” he stressed.
Jurkuch reaffirmed South Sudan’s commitment to upholding its international commitments under various treaties, including the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention.
“To declare our country mine-free by 2030, the goal is within reach. The National Mine Action Authority is working closely with partners to enhance national ownership, promote inclusive mine action, and reduce casualties. Through awareness and education,”
“However, achieving mine-free South Sudan is a shared responsibility. And we call on all stakeholders, including the government, donors, community leaders, civil society, and the media to sustain and strengthen their support,”
Over the last 20 years, mine action in South Sudan has released over 1,300 square kilometers of land and cleared over 4,000 km of roads.
It has also freed 15,000 agricultural areas, 344 schools, 316 water points, and 437 health clinics from explosive threats.
In the process, mine action operators have destroyed over 1.2 million explosive items that posed a threat to civilians. In addition, explosive ordnance risk education has been provided to more than 7 million people.
Meanwhile, Anita Kiki Gbeho, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), praised land mine specialists for their outstanding work.
“Your dedication over the past two decades has made a profound and tangible difference. I urge us all to remain steadfast in our commitment to this critical work. We have made remarkable progress,” she said.
“In 1988, explosive ordnance tragically claimed 495 lives in a single year. By 2024, that number has fallen to 16 recorded casualties, a testament to the collective efforts of mine action actors,” Ms. Kiki added.
Kiki, who serves as the Humanitarian Coordinator revealed that only 22 square kilometers of known contaminated land remains. He said that only 22 square kilometers of known contaminated land remained.
“While today is a moment to reflect on progress, it is also a reminder of the work that lies ahead. Our collective responsibility is to ensure that mine action remains a priority, not only in terms of funding, but also through political commitment, institutional investment, and strengthened national ownership,”
Mr. Zehrudin Sukanovic, Chief Mine Action, UNMAS South Sudan, recalled the challenges of the heartbreaking 2013 and 2016 crises, which served as a setback in efforts to make South Sudan safer and more prosperous.
“I sincerely hope that 2025 will represent a solid step forward, rather than yet another obstacle in our ongoing journey to secure a safer space and future for the people of South Sudan,” he stated.