APRIL 5, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – According to the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), landmines and leftover explosive devices have resulted in 25 deaths and 52 injuries in Sudan since the start of the year. The organization cautioned that the real number of casualties is probably much higher.
The fatalities, documented from January to March, involve 35 children. The increase in incidents occurs as displaced individuals start coming back to areas affected by conflict, especially in Khartoum, where about 1.8 million out of the 4 million who left have returned to their residences.
UNMAS stated that it has removed 18,768 explosive devices and made 2.8 million square meters of land safe for use since the conflict started. However, new minefields continue to be found in central Khartoum, including at a bridge renovation location linking Omdurman and Khartoum North.
The Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces have laid hundreds of anti-personnel and anti-vehicle mines in areas affected by the conflict since fighting began on April 15, 2023, in an effort to block enemy movements.
Recent efforts to clear areas have centered on essential infrastructure to support relief operations. Teams eliminated over 800 explosive devices from Khartoum International Airport, enabling the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service to restart flights on February 26 after a three-year break.
Specialized groups have also removed more than 1 million square meters of essential infrastructure, such as housing units, educational institutions, medical centers, and agricultural areas.
In support of continuous safety initiatives, the European Union allocated $1.7 million in funding to UNMAS on April 27. The grant is intended to enhance security for 700,000 civilians directly impacted by the conflict, with an estimated one million more people anticipated to benefit indirectly.
The UNMAS remains engaged with the National Mine Action Center to assess dangerous zones and deliver safety education, having impacted around 295,000 local residents and 2,625 aid personnel this year.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).
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