In a major step towards addressing the pervasive threat of explosive remnants of war (ERW) in Ethiopia, the U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia's Office of Security Cooperation and the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) have embarked on a historic collaboration with the Ethiopian National Defense Forces and the Ethiopian Mine Action Office (EMAO). The initiative aims to mitigate the hazards posed by landmines and other ERWs, safeguard civilian lives, and facilitate the recovery of affected regions.
Ethiopian battlefields continue to bear the scars of past conflicts, with landmines, unexploded artillery shells, and other remnants of war posing a constant danger to civilians and impeding the country's progress. The plight of innocent lives at risk and the inability of farmers to reclaim their lands have underscored the urgent need for action.
Commencing on January 15, a team hailing from the DOD's Humanitarian Demining Training Center and the U.S. Department of State's Weapons Removal and Abatement program will collaborate closely with the EMAO during a Requirements Development Site Survey, scheduled to take place from January 15 to 19.
The survey represents a critical initial step in identifying the scale and extent of ERW contamination throughout Ethiopia, with the ultimate objective of enhancing civilian safety and revitalizing agricultural productivity in affected areas.
The primary aim of this joint effort is to formulate a comprehensive set of requirements tailored to the specific needs of the EMAO, aligning them with the available resources of the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of State.
The subsequent phase, set to unfold within the next six months, will encompass the delivery of essential equipment, training, and additional resources to bolster Ethiopia's demining capabilities.