MOGADISHU (Halbeeg News) – The United Nations (UN) has called for joint efforts to end threats posed by the increasing use of explosive hazards in Somalia.
In a joint statement issued on Sunday in Mogadishu to mark the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, Qurat-ul-Ain Sadozai, UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) program director in Somalia said there were 1,140 civilian casualties due to improvised explosive devices (IED) in 2019.
“Together, we must press on to reinforce the development of national mine-action capacities and continue to support Somalia, ensuring protection of civilians as well as social and economic development,” Sadozai said in the statement.
Sadozai said the UNMAS is working with the Somali government and the Federal Member States, along with partners to support the Somalia Transition Plan.
“This includes clearing explosive hazards, delivering explosive ordnance risk education, raising awareness at the community level, enhancing national mine action capabilities, and supporting government efforts to serve survivors of landmines and explosive remnants of war and persons with disabilities,” UNMAS said.
The number dropped to 454 in 2020. Also, in 2019, there were 59 civilian casualties due to explosive remnants of war (ERW) and that number dropped to 53 in 2020.
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