UNMAS says that roadside bombs pose a significant risk to Somalia’s peace and security

Mogadishu (QJ) – The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) has donated equipment to the Somali government to counter the ongoing threat of explosive devices in the country.

This initiative aims to reduce casualties caused by explosions, as a recent UN report highlighted that roadside bombs pose a significant risk to Somalia’s peace and security.

UNMAS reported that last year, 597 explosions resulted in the deaths of over 1,400 people.

The equipment provided by UNMAS includes vehicles for countering explosives, road-scanning tools, and devices to neutralize explosive materials. The organization stated that this support is expected to enhance Somalia’s efforts in combating improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

“Given the IED threat in Somalia, it is crucial to strengthen the capabilities of national security forces, especially considering the drawdown of African Union (AU) troops,” said Ilene Cohn, Director of UNMAS.

The Somali National Army (SNA) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams, trained to handle explosive devices, have achieved a 70% success rate in locating and neutralizing mines and IEDs.

Raisedon Zenenga, the Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, emphasized that the UN is building the capacity of Somali security forces to effectively combat explosive threats.

Since 2021, UNMAS has trained and equipped 51 SNA teams, providing advanced courses to ensure the sustainability of counter-explosive efforts.