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Stop De-mining? Risking innocent lives for the what purpose? |
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By Aman Idris -
Sep 04, 2002
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It was in total shock and disbelief that I heard this morning on the BBC the immediate ousting of the NGOs conducting de-mining of the Eritrean territory.
Following the 3-year war with Ethiopia, the entire border region is a potential danger to settlers because both sides have mined the region that at an unprecedented level. International NGOs became involved in the de-mining soon after the start of the conflict and have been conducting mine sweepings in a slow but meticulous manner. So, what is the reason the Eritrean government gives for telling them to immediately stop their work by the end of THIS month? The alleged reasons are: a) they are taking too long, b) not conducting the it efficiently enough and c) they cost too much. What the Eritrean government proposes to do instead, they have not told us, or the NGOs or, most importantly, the inhabitants who will now be in imminent danger as a result of this drastic measure. The Eritrean government, more than ever, can least afford the financial burden of undertaking this project without the support of the UN or international donors. There is nothing immediately in place to ensure that the de-mining can continue to be done in a safe and efficient and cost-effective way. At the moment, all the de-mining work that was underway has come to an immediate halt putting all those who trek in that area in immediate danger.
My theory of why the government did this is simple: shocking as it may seem, the number of young Eritrean fleeing to Ethiopia is at an all time high. This has become a national embarrassment to President Issayas whos willing to risk the lives of these young Eritreans rather than tarnish his image. He has ordered the de-mining to an immediate halt in order to discourage people walking across the border to Ethiopia.
This should not be tolerated. We have seen too many ugly pictures of maimed and killed farmers as a result of land mines that remain burred for decades. Children are especially susceptible because they are out of their home areas, helping parents with farming or herding cattle, and find exposed pieces of metal interesting enough to uncover or hit them resulting in the explosions which either kill them instantly or leaves them handicapped for life.
The Eritrean government should get off its high horse of arrogance and explain to the Eritrean people the reason why this measure was taken. If it is in fact to save money, then what is the alternate plan it is undertaking to continue the de-mining that will ensure the safety of the rural people. |
