Since the onset of Sudan’s civil war in April 2023, at least 23 civilians have lost their lives and 51 others injured in incidents involving landmines and explosive remnants of war, according to Sudanese authorities.
Major General Khalid Hamdan, head of the National Mine Action Centre, revealed that 51 separate explosions have been recorded across Khartoum, Blue Nile, and North Kordofan states, underscoring the growing threat posed by unexploded ordnance.
Both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are believed to have planted mines in strategic areas to hinder enemy movements. With some displaced residents beginning to return to former battlegrounds, concerns over hidden explosives are mounting.
The National Mine Action Centre has received over 830 alerts about landmines and war remnants this year alone. However, due to security constraints, clearance teams cannot access areas outside government control and instead focus on raising community awareness about safe practices and mine marking.
Currently, 14 clearance teams are operational across the country, with seven deployed in Khartoum. While efforts are ongoing, Major General Hamdan noted that urban demining is complicated by dense civilian infrastructure and movement.
The United Nations is funding five of the demining teams in Khartoum, and plans are underway to expand operations by August in collaboration with Sudanese authorities.