Key clearance challenges - summary

1. Incomplete knowledge of the extent of contamination : - lack of maps or other information on mine / CM contamination (Burundi, Mozambique, Somalia, South Sudan)

1. Incomplete knowledge of the extent of contamination (cont.): - problems with past surveys / quality of information (Angola, Chad, DRC, Sudan) - challenges with current surveys (DRC, Senegal, Somalia) - new contamination (Mali, Sudan)

2. Continued insecurity & consequent lack of access to certain areas (DRC, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Somalia, Sudan) – can affect funding opportunities (Somalia)

3. Logistical and technical challenges: - size of country, lack of roads (Angola, DRC, South Sudan), - difficult terrain (mountains, sandy or rocky soils, dense vegetation) or weather conditions / heavy rains (Angola, Burundi, Mali,South Sudan, Zimbabwe)

3. Logistical and technical challenges (cont.) -Mines with low metal content (Senegal); - movement of mines over time (Algeria, Chad)

4. Lack of funding & resources. Specifically: - lack of equipment, means of transport & communication (Burundi, Ethiopia, Mali, Mauritania, Zimbabwe) - shortage of international operators (Senegal, South Sudan)

5. Need for training / capacity building (Chad, Ethiopia, Mali, Mauritania, Western Sahara, Somalia, South Sudan)

6. Prioritisation issues – AV mines vs. AP mines (Niger); – reconstruction & development vs. demining (Angola, South Sudan)

7. Lack of national coordination office / Mine Action Centre (Mali, Western Sahara, Somalia)

8. Need for cross-border clearance / access to other side of border (Mauritania & Western Sahara, Zimbabwe & Mozambique)

9. Establishment of national capacity to deal with residual UXO threat after article 5 completion (Mozambique)

10. Need support with advocacy on CCM (South Sudan)

11. Stockpiles and abandoned ordnance (Guinea Bissau, Somalia – stocks often in private hands. MRE required.)

Lessons learned Early planning is essential (Uganda) Political commitment at the national level is crucial (Angola, Mauritania, Swaziland) Need to be proactive to find solutions, e.g. networking with donors and international operators, using national resources such as police & army. (Congo Brazzaville, Uganda, Zambia)

Lessons learned (cont.) Ensure effective coordination measures Develop national Mine Action Standards & SOPs National surveys helpful if done well (Uganda, Zambia) Secure a clear MoU when working with NGOs Value of engagement of local communities through community-liaison processes. Avoids hostility, also helps secure information on contamination

Lessons learned (cont.) Progressively release land as part of clearance operations. Specialised machines help in some circumstances (e.g. lowlands in Uganda); in others manual clearance is still required (Algeria, Zimbabwe) Value of continuous training & transfer of knowledge, including through exchanges between MACs (could be expanded?) Constant communication with the ISU – draw from their expertise.

Lessons learned (cont.) After completion of AP mine clearance, ERW clearance & spot tasks might still be necessary, stockpile management of other weapons is often still required, and long-term victim assistance remains necessary (Congo Brazzaville, Guinea Bissau, Uganda).