A 1999 treaty almost halted production of land mines, and 27 countries have declared themselves mine-free, although the British-based global Campaign to Ban Landmines reported previous year about 4,000 people are killed annually by land mines.
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Today, the government of Mozambique officially declared the country free of landmines and global mine clearance charity The HALO Trust confirmed it had destroyed the last known mine on its territory. The group returned 1,118 former minefields back to use. Whilst the discovery of a small number of stray or buried mines in the future can not be completely ruled out, Mozambique is now as close to “mine free” as possible. Communities can now cultivate crops and graze livestock safely, HALO said. Formerly a Portuguese colony, Mozambique fought for its independence in the 1970s, but was plagued by a civil war until 1992 that left more than one million people dead-and more than half of the country a hazard to health.
Mine clearance has also helped access Mozambique’s gas and coal sources, and has boosted tourism and helped attract global investment.
Most of the land mines that had been placed in the country were put there during the civil war. Overall, HALO personnel cleared over 171,000 landmines, accounting for about 80% of the total destroyed. ‘APOPO is extremely proud to have played a part in this historical achievement that now allows the people of Mozambique to finally live without the fear of landmines and explosive remnants of war, ‘ adds Tess Tewelde, APOPO’s Head of Mine Action Africa.
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Before the HALO Trust began operating in the country in 1993, landmines caused hundreds of accidents, including fatalities and amputations. HALO’s mission is to lead the effort to protect lives and restore livelihoods threatened by landmines and the debris of war.
