Review of Ten Years Assistance to the Mine Action Programme in Mozambique

When mine action activities began in the country, Mozambique was perhaps one of the poorest in the world (because of prolonged under-investment in infrastructure and public services during Portuguese colonial regime, coupled with destruction wrought by almost 3 decades of civil war). Mozambique has made great strides since signing of General Peace Agreement in 1992. Mine action played a role in achievements by opening infrastructure networks, reducing the toll of casualties from landmines and unexploded ordnances, assisting landmine survivors, and clearing hazards that posed a danger to lies and a constraint on development for many communities.

Mine action is now at a juncture because “humanitarian mine action” has been achieved or is in sight. The review addresses the following blunt question: Is there life for mine action after people stop dying from landmines?