Civilians returning to their homes in Sudan are facing a growing threat from landmines and unexploded ordnance, with dozens of casualties reported in the first three months of 2026, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) has reported.
According to UNMAS, between January and March, 77 people were killed or injured in explosive incidents, including 25 fatalities and 52 injuries. Children accounted for 35 of the victims, although the agency says the real number is likely higher due to underreporting.
“As millions of people return to their places of origin, many are increasingly exposed to the dangers of explosive hazards,” said UNMAS in a statement.
The warning comes as new contaminated areas are being identified in and around Khartoum, including minefields in central parts of the capital. One of the most concerning sites is a bridge rehabilitation area linking Omdurman and Bahri across the Nile, raising fears that essential infrastructure projects are being carried out in unsafe conditions.
In response, UNMAS, working with Sudan’s National Mine Action Centre and international partners, has expanded clearance operations across affected regions. Teams have been surveying and removing explosive hazards from civilian areas, including homes, schools and hospitals.
Air transport has also been directly affected by the contamination. More than 800 explosive devices were cleared from Khartoum International Airport, according to UNMAS, allowing UN humanitarian flights to resume after nearly three years of disruption.
“Teams also cleared over 800 explosive hazards from Khartoum International Airport, contributing to the resumption of UNHAS flights on February 26 after nearly three years of disruption,” the agency said.
It added that more than one million square metres of land have been cleared and returned for safe use through partner operations involving the Danish Refugee Council and JASMAR.
Alongside clearance work, UNMAS is running explosive ordnance risk education campaigns across Khartoum State, targeting returnees, children, and other vulnerable groups. Forty community volunteers were trained in the first quarter of 2026 to help spread safety messaging, including for people with disabilities.
According to UNMAS, since April 2023, the agency has cleared nearly 2.8 million square metres of land, removed more than 18,000 explosive devices and reached almost 300,000 people with risk education.
Despite these efforts, UNMAS warns that unexploded ordnance continues to pose a major obstacle to safe returns and recovery in Sudan’s capital and beyond.
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