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Survey and clearance - Western Sahara

A 30-year-old refugee population, tens of thousands of settlers, a 1,000-mile minefield, a stalled peace process.

Sixteen years of fighting between Moroccan and Polisario forces from 1975-1991 has left Western Sahara contaminated by landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW). During the conflict Morocco constructed a thousand mile defensive wall, known as the ‘Berm’. This earthwork fortification divides Western Sahara in two with Polisario controlling the area east of the Berm and Morocco controlling the area to the west. The barrier minebelt that runs alongside the berm is believed to be the longest continuous minefield in the world. Survey work undertaken by Landmine Action has revealed that civilian settlements throughout the Polisario controlled area are also affected by mines and items of unexploded ordnance, including cluster munitions.

Landmine and ERW contamination hinders safe movement throughout Western Sahara for the local population and United Nations observers. Landmine Action has documented instances of mine laying along roads and tracks and at water points. Whilst this problem persists the 160,000 Saharawi refugees currently residing in camps in Algeria will be unable to safely return to Western Sahara and the conflict will remain frozen.    

Landmine Action’s Western Sahara programme commenced in August 2006. Support from the United Nations Mine Action Service, The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund, the Governments of Germany and Norway and others has allowed the organisation to commence an explosive ordnance disposal and survey programme – the first ever in Western Sahara. The overall objective of Landmine Action’s programme is to develop a Saharawi capacity that is capable of responding to the landmine and ERW threat in the region. This will help to facilitate the safe return of displaced Saharawis in Algeria and will enable the resident population and UN peacekeepers to travel safely within the country.