The United Nations has warned the danger posed to Somali civilians by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) just few days after a mother and four children were killed in landmine blast in central Somalia.
Over 900 Somali people were killed and injured in blast in last August alone, according to UN report released on the eve of International Day For Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.
Speaking at a ceremony to mark the International Day For Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, the Secretary General’s Deputy Special Representative for Somalia, Peter De clercq has expreased concern over the threat posed by landmines and Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) following close to two decades of civil war in Somalia.
“Each year, 75 children are killed or injured by mines and explosive remnants of war in this country. And the impact on lives and livelihoods therefore is devastating,” de Clerxq told the participants of the event which took place in Mogadishu.
He called for the acceleration of the mine action Programme in Somalia
“Scaling up the mine action programme can play a key in proving jobs in rural areas and improving livelihoods by making roada passable and allowing for the movement of gooda and people,” he urged.
On Tuesday, seven people were killed after a landime struck a donkey cart they were riding on, just seven km outside Bulaburde town.
Abdi Dahir Gure who confirmed the incident to Halbeeg News said the victims include a mother and her four children.
“The blast took place in Ag-Mudey village which lies just 7km away from Bulaburde town. It killed a mother, her brother, her four children and a Qur’anic teacher,” said Gure.
He blamed Al-Shabab for the attack saying its fighters planted the landmine on the road which frequently used by Somali forces and AMISOM troops.
Discussion about this post