By Agboola Aluko | GLiDE NEWS, Juba
T he United Nations is making significant strides in securing a safer future for the people of South Sudan through a massive demining campaign that has already cleared over 1,300 square kilometres of land and more than 4,000 kilometres of critical roadways.
The effort, led by the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), was spotlighted during this month’s observance of the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, celebrated under the theme "Safe Futures Start Here."
Decades of brutal civil conflict have left the young nation littered with deadly remnants of war—landmines, cluster bombs, and unexploded ordnance that continue to kill and maim. Since 2004, more than 5,000 people in South Sudan have lost their lives to hidden explosives.
“This is not just about removing bombs. It’s about restoring hope, opening access to farmland, schools, and hospitals—and ultimately securing peace,” said Anita Kiki Gbeho, the UN’s Deputy Special Representative in South Sudan.
Progress by the Numbers
UNMAS has achieved remarkable milestones in its campaign:
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Over 15,000 farmlands cleared
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344 schools made safe
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316 water points and 437 health facilities reopened
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More than 1.2 million explosives neutralised
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Mine risk education provided to over 7 million people
These efforts are not only saving lives but enabling the rebuilding of essential services, agricultural development, and the return of displaced communities to their homes.
A Race Toward 2030
The international community, alongside South Sudan’s National Mine Action Authority and local partners, is working toward the ambitious goal of a mine-free South Sudan by 2030. But officials warn that continued funding, political will, and government leadership are critical to achieving that target.
“We cannot afford to slow down. Every day of delay means more lives at risk and more communities cut off from basic services,” Gbeho noted.
UNMAS is collaborating with the UN peacekeeping mission, humanitarian agencies, and local authorities to build local capacity and promote self-sufficiency in managing explosive risks—vital steps in transitioning the country from emergency response to long-term stability.
Peace at a Crossroads
This life-saving work comes at a fragile moment for South Sudan. Political tensions are rising again among parties to the 2018 peace agreement, sparking fears of renewed violence in the lead-up to planned elections.
The United Nations has urged South Sudanese leaders to uphold peace, warning that any slide back into conflict could undo years of progress and jeopardise not just South Sudan’s recovery but regional stability as well.
“Peace is fragile, and the scars of war remain buried—both in the land and in people’s hearts. But clearing explosives is a powerful step toward healing, dignity, and hope,” Gbeho concluded.
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