The EU supports demining activities in Sudan.

The European Commission, through its Foreign Policy Instrument Service (FPI), has provided new financing to the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in Sudan to support demining activities aimed at improving civilian security, access for NGOs and humanitarian aid, and rapid recovery in conflict-affected areas.

This is a contribution of 3 million euros to support the implementation of an 18-month project titled “Rebuilding Sudan: Mine Action for Recovery,” as stated in a press release published on Monday on the website of the European Union Delegation to Sudan.

The various parties involved are hopeful that this project will combat the widespread contamination by explosive ordnance in accessible urban and peri-urban areas, accommodating a large number of people returning to their homes, particularly in the capital Khartoum.

Since April 2023, the war in Sudan has resulted in massive contamination by unexploded ordnance (mines, rockets) in residential areas and infrastructure, especially in Khartoum. This direct threat to civilians hinders the return of over 4 million displaced people, making demining crucial for security, humanitarian aid, and reconstruction in 2026.

Kazumi Ogawa, Director of the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS), acknowledged that “explosive ordnance still poses a deadly threat to families seeking to return home in Sudan.” With EU support, UNMAS will demine priority areas and contribute to creating the necessary conditions for safe returns and recovery.

Improving security and access will benefit nearly 1.7 million people, including 700,000 civilians directly and over a million indirectly through the resumption of humanitarian aid and essential services (health, education, water, food).

The press release emphasizes that this action complements the humanitarian aid currently provided by the EU in Sudan, prioritizing more systematic and targeted demining to facilitate rapid recovery and reconstruction.

UNMAS promises to implement the project in close coordination with national authorities, humanitarian and recovery partners, and the entire mine action community.