Mine Action in Southern Africa: Instrument of Development?

Men and women walk past a landmine field in Kuito, Angola in 1999.  Credit: Getty Images, Malcolm Linton/Liaison
Men and women walk past a landmine field in Kuito, Angola in 1999. Credit: Getty Images, Malcolm Linton/Liaison

Africa has the world's largest mine contamination problem and over 30 states are affected. However, Southern African states have endorsed an anti-personnel mine free zone and are dealing with the problem through their national mine action programmes.

This book explores some of the successes (as well as the obstacles) of mine action in Southern Africa and draws lessons for the region and beyond. It focuses on the importance of national capacity building and the location of humanitarian mine action at the centre of development policies of mine-affected countries. With careful planning and community cooperation, mine action can be an effective instrument of development in the reconstruction of post-conflict societies.

Contents

Section One Improving mine action in Southern Africa

Chapter 1: Overview of the mine situation in Southern Africa

Chapter 2: The role of the Southern African Development Community in Regional mine action

Chapter 3: Mine action, resource mobilisation and national development: Assessing national policies

Chapter 4: Mine action, resource mobilisation and national development: assessing donor policies

Chapter 5: Recommendations to mine-affected countries in SADC and donors operation in SADC

Section Two Experiences in the region

Chapter 6: De-mining experiences and challenges in Angola

Chapter 7: Mozambique Landmine Impact Survey: Optimising mine action

Chapter 8: Communities in Southern Africa and landmines: Capacities, training and lessons learnt

Chapter 9: South Africa: Developing world-class enabling legislation through consultation

Annexures

Annexure A: Mozambique Five-Year National Mine Action Plan 2002-2006

Annexure B: Turning words into actions: SADC, the Ottawa Convention and assistance to landmine survivors

Annexure C: Contact details of mine action organisations in SADC

Annexure D: Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction

Chapter 5 has been translated into Portuguese for our Portuguese readers.

For book enquiries and purchasing, please contact our Publications Department.

ISBN: 1-919969-11-X

The views expressed in this publication/article are those of the author/s and do not necessarily reflect the views of the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA).

18 Apr 2008