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By Staff Reporter
Multiple realisations emerged at a three-day National State Dialogue held in Harare this week under the theme ‘Landmine Free Zimbabwe by 2025’ including a better understanding of the demining process, and financing among other issues.
Zimbabwe, which was the only country to be rated ‘very good’ in the global demining index was urged to better inform the revising of the African Union Policy on Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development from her experience.
“I did make reference to the ongoing process of revising the African Policy on Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development. This is one opportunity to ensure the inclusion of demining action in the revised policy,” African Union Director of Governance and Conflict Prevention, Patience Zanelie Chiradza said.
The meeting which was attended by international heads of delegation for development partners, demining operators, Zimbabwe National Army representatives, Ministerial representatives, and traditional leaders steers the ambition of availing more farmland, tourism, and safer communities among other benefits to the victims.
The European Union emphasised that despite the broader intention of being landmine free, it could not be completely achieved and called for continued safety procedures and sustainable response to demining.
“Sustainability has other facets too. We all know that ‘mine free’ does not necessarily mean that there won’t be any landmines or other explosive remnants found after ‘completion’ has been declared. The risks that such weapons can still be found is real and does not mean the job was not well done.” European Union Ambassador, HE Jobst Von Kirchmann said.
Global partners include the Netherlands, Norway, Ireland, Japan, the United States of America, United Kingdom among others. The Anti Personnel Mine Ban Convention which is commemorating its 25th anniversary has availed US$14 million for 2023 and pledged US$10 million for both 2024 and 2025 despite the required US$49 Million.
Zimbabwe through the Ministry of Defence appreciated the support that the global west has committed to the support for demining in Zimbabwe through clearance and victim support among other actions.
“We greatly cherish the support rendered by the European Union Council and the Implication Support Unit (ISU) of the Anti Personnel Mine Ban Convention.
“To this end, I wish to acknowledge the good and critical work being done by our donors and operators in freeing our country from this menace and encourage them to keep up the good work of clearance, victim assistance, and risk education among other critical mine action activities,” the Minister of Defence, Hon Oppah Muchinguri said at the workshop.
The conference further called for the incorporation of the Ministry of Local Governance and Public Works which houses the Civil Protection Unit.
The inaugural victim training workshop is a culmination of Zimbabwe’s benefits following its ratification of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention.