A two week Norwegian People's Aid (NPA) operation in Jonglei state, South Sudan, saw the destruction of 654 landmines and 1751 UXOs.
By: Tamama Norbert Mansfield
NPA South Sudan, humanitarian mine action programme operated in Pibor County, Jonglei state from March 9-24 and disposed 654 anti-personnel landmines, 52 anti-tank mines, 1751 assorted UXOs and 960 small arms.
Jan Ledang, Country Director, NPA-South Sudan Programme said the operation has made the South Sudanese state safer for the people. "By removing explosives we are giving people that sense of safety again. We've reduced the risk significantly of people stepping on a landmine on their way to work, or that their children run over a UXO when they are out playing. The removal of these explosives will make it possible and safe to open up roads and agricultural fields," he said. NPA continues to clear landmines in other areas of Jonglei state and South Sudan.