Sudan is strengthening its national mine action capabilities as humanitarian organizations work to address the growing threat of explosive ordnance left behind by the ongoing conflict. With widespread contamination affecting communities across the country, new training initiatives are helping expand the number of qualified personnel capable of safely removing explosive hazards.
Since conflict erupted in April 2023, urban warfare, artillery shelling, and aerial bombardments have left large areas contaminated with unexploded and abandoned munitions. Homes, schools, public buildings, roads, and neighborhoods have been affected, creating significant risks for civilians returning to their communities.
Khartoum State has emerged as one of the most heavily contaminated areas, with explosive hazards including landmines, rockets, grenades, and unexploded ordnance scattered throughout densely populated urban environments. As displaced families begin returning home, the need for clearance operations has become increasingly urgent.
To address this challenge, the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), with support from the Sudan Humanitarian Fund, recently conducted an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Level 2 training programme. The intensive 25-day course was the first training of its kind held in Sudan since the outbreak of the conflict.
The programme brought together 15 participants from Sudanese mine action organizations and the National Mine Action Centre, upgrading their qualifications from EOD Level 1 to Level 2. The newly trained operators significantly increase the country’s capacity to identify, transport, and safely dispose of explosive hazards.
The training focused on advanced techniques required for Sudan’s evolving contamination landscape, particularly in urban areas where explosive devices are often located inside buildings, vehicles, and densely populated neighborhoods. Participants received both classroom instruction and practical field exercises designed to prepare them for complex clearance operations.
Graduates of the programme are now qualified to take on leadership positions within mine action teams, helping national organizations expand their operations and deploy additional clearance teams in high-risk areas. This increase in trained personnel is expected to strengthen humanitarian access, support safe returns for displaced populations, and contribute to broader recovery efforts.
The conflict has also introduced new types of explosive threats unfamiliar to many operators. Participants noted that the training provided essential knowledge and practical skills needed to safely identify and manage these emerging hazards in the field.
Strengthening national expertise remains a critical component of Sudan’s recovery strategy. By investing in local capacity and leadership, mine action organizations aim to build a sustainable response capable of addressing contamination risks across the country.
As recovery efforts continue, mine action is increasingly recognized as a foundational element for rebuilding communities, restoring essential services, and enabling long-term development. Additional training programmes are planned in the coming months to further expand Sudan’s explosive ordnance disposal workforce and support ongoing humanitarian operations.
