Rising Landmine Threat in Sudan Sparks UN Warning Over Civilian Risks

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The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Denise Brown, has warned of a sharp increase in explosive contamination across both urban and rural areas of the country amid the ongoing conflict.

In a statement issued on Saturday marking the International Day for Mine Awareness, Brown joined the international community in reaffirming this year’s theme: “Investing in peace: investing in mine action.”

Her remarks come as a powerful explosion shook central Khartoum on Friday, according to AFP and eyewitnesses. A correspondent in Omdurman, across the Nile, reported hearing the blast, which was also confirmed by residents in several neighborhoods, describing it as “loud,” with no immediate signs of fire or smoke.

Sudanese police said the incident resulted from civilians burning waste in the Burri area of eastern Khartoum, which triggered the explosion of a landmine left over from the war. No casualties or material damage were reported.

Brown stressed that mine action goes beyond removing deadly hazards—it is essential for saving lives, enabling recovery, and laying the foundations for peace. She noted that the ongoing conflict has significantly increased explosive contamination, directly affecting homes, roads, schools, and critical infrastructure.

She warned that the situation exposes civilians to serious daily risks and restricts humanitarian access, adding that aid workers themselves face growing dangers while trying to reach those in need.

“Mine action is a humanitarian imperative; it enables safe access, supports returns, and is fundamental to recovery and reconstruction,” Brown said, cautioning that the scale of contamination continues to outpace response efforts.

She called for sustained support and stronger international cooperation, emphasizing that investing in mine action helps save lives and build the foundations for lasting peace in Sudan.

Earlier in March, UN officials revealed the presence of seven minefields within Khartoum, noting that explosive hazards in regions such as Darfur and Kordofan remain a persistent challenge to humanitarian operations and civilian safety.

Meanwhile, the head of the UN Mine Action Programme in Sudan, Siddig Rashid, warned that landmines represent a new threat in Khartoum, with returning families finding themselves in a “highly dangerous” environment, often unaware of the risks, as explosive hazards are widely scattered in homes, roads, schools, and hospitals—frequently mixed with debris.