Somalia is one of the countries affected by landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW). Contamination in the north-east and wider country has accumulated over decades of conflict, and it continues to threaten lives, block access to land and hold back recovery.
A history of contamination
Landmines and ERW were first laid extensively during the inter-state wars between Somalia and Ethiopia in 1964 and 1977–78, when both armies heavily mined front lines along the border. Mines were used mainly to defend military positions and restrict movement. After the collapse of central government in 1991, landmines continued to be used by armed factions, and further explosive remnants have been left behind by subsequent conflict.
How explosive hazards harm communities
Explosive hazards do not stop being dangerous when fighting ends. They block roads, farmland, grazing areas, water wells and pools; they injure and kill people and livestock; and they deny communities safe access to the land and services they depend on. Explosive remnants are sometimes collected and cut open for scrap metal — an economic activity that causes many fatal accidents and life-changing injuries.
Who is most at risk
Children, pastoralists, farmers, internally displaced people, returnees and scrap-metal collectors are among the groups most exposed. Children are especially vulnerable because they may mistake colourful or unusual items for toys.
NEHA’s response
NEHA works to reduce this threat through an integrated approach: non-technical and technical survey to find and define contamination, battle area clearance and explosive ordnance disposal to remove it, risk education to keep people safe in the meantime, victim assistance for survivors, and community liaison so that the people most affected shape the response.