Landmine Action In Western Sahara

by Paulo Nunes dos Santos

Sixteen years of fighting between Moroccan and Polisario forces, from 1975-1991, has left Western Sahara contaminated by landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW). During the conflict Morocco constructed a 2500 km defensive wall, known as the Berm. This earthwork fortification divides Western Sahara in two with Polisario controlling the area east of the Berm and Morocco controlling the area to the west. The barrier minebelt that runs alongside the berm is believed to be the longest continuous minefield in the world.

Survey work undertaken by Landmine Action (the only organization dealing with the problem in Western Sahara) has revealed that civilian settlements throughout the Polisario controlled area are also affected by mines and items of unexploded ordnance, including cluster munitions.

Landmine and ERW contamination hinders safe movement throughout Western Sahara for the local population and United Nations observers. Landmine Action has documented instances of mine laying along roads and tracks and at water points. Whilst this problem persists the almost 200,000 Saharawi refugees currently residing in camps in Algeria will be unable to safely return to Western Sahara and the conflict will remain frozen.

The overall objective of this programme is to develop a Saharawi capacity that is capable of responding to the landmine and ERW threat in the region. This will help to facilitate the safe return of displaced Saharawis in Algeria and will enable the resident population and UN peacekeepers to travel safely within the country.

Since the beginning of the conflict thousands of Saharawi civilians have been victims of these landmines, with accidents happening almost every week.

Paulo Nunes dos Santos On behalf of Landmine Action