Written by Tanaka A Ndongera (Mine Action Fellow - Zimbabwe)
The tragic death of three people, including a 14-year-old girl, in a landmine incident in Binga, Zimbabwe on January 8, 2025, serves as a stark reminder that the threat of legacy landmines continues to claim innocent lives decades after conflicts end. The incident occurred when a Binga Rural District Council vehicle carrying six people struck a landmine at Sebungwe Narrows in Simatelele under Chief Siachilaba, resulting in the immediate evacuation of the casualties and fatalities.
As a Mine Action Fellow who recently participated in the Fifth Review Conference of the Ottawa Convention in Siem Reap, Cambodia, I am particularly moved by this incident occurring in my home country. The Conference, aptly named the Siem Reap-Angkor Summit on a Mine-Free World, emphasized the critical importance of achieving a mine-free world. This tragic event underscores the urgency of that mission.
Zimbabwe's landmine contamination stems from the liberation struggle of the 1970s, with mines laid along the borders. While significant progress has been made in clearance efforts, incidents like this demonstrate that these deadly weapons continue to pose risks to communities, particularly in rural areas where many landmines remain undetected.
The Zimbabwe National Army's quick response in deploying a de-mining team to the area is commendable, but this incident highlights the need for increased resources and support for mine clearance operations. As emphasized during the Review Conference, mine action is not just about removing explosives, it's about enabling sustainable development and improving community resilience.
The human cost of landmines extends beyond immediate casualties. They restrict access to agricultural land, limit economic development, and create lasting psychological impact on affected communities. The loss of three lives in Binga, including a young girl with her whole future ahead of her, represents not just a tragedy for their families but a call to action for the international community.
As we work towards implementing the goals set at the Siem Reap-Angkor Summit, this incident reinforces the importance of several key priorities:
1. Accelerating mine clearance operations in remaining contaminated areas
2. Strengthening risk education programs, especially in rural communities
3. Ensuring adequate support for victim assistance programs
4. Enhancing coordination between national and international mine action stakeholders
The global mine ban movement, which began over three decades ago, has made remarkable progress, with 164 states now party to the Ottawa Convention. However, as this tragic incident shows, our work is far from complete. We must continue our efforts until every community is free from the threat of landmines.
Youth involvement in mine action, which I advocate for as a Mine Action Fellow with Mines Action Canada, is crucial for maintaining momentum in this fight. As recognized by United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace, and Security, young people represent not only the future but also the potential to mobilize for peace and development through disarmament efforts.
As Zimbabwe continues its journey toward becoming landmine-free, this tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of sustained commitment to mine action. Every life lost to a landmine is one too many, and every effort must be made to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
For those wishing to support mine action efforts or learn more about the ongoing work to clear landmines in Zimbabwe and globally, please contact Mines Action Canada (MAC) or the Zimbabwe Mine Action Centre (ZIMAC).
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