http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/site/index/ en U.S. Department of State 2012-02-11T15:54:03+00:00
We want to follow your way of clearing all landmine from southern sudan. Its excellent a work done.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/mozambique_mine_action/ Fri Nov 13, 2009
This is a phenomenal service that is being provided, I don't think many people realize the severity of landmines. The risk associated with these devices is not only death, but amputations. For Mozambiquans, living in one of the poorest countries in the world is difficult enough, much less having to learn how to live after a loss of limbs. There are very few organizations that help support amputee victims and as one news article I read stated, an amputee is not born learning how to cope with his/her disability so instead of learning to adapt to a deformity early on, that person must relearn how to live a normal life.

Because of the years of bloody civil war following Mozambique's independence, these landmines are spread throughout the country, not just in isolated situations. It is not the same as the landmines found near the North and South Korea border because that is a designated zone, and those landmines, used rightly or wrongly, are for border protection. However, in Mozambique, the landmines could be anywhere. Most often death or amputations occur because children were out running in a field, or adults were out looking for firewood or food. These are everyday activities that everybody should be able to enjoy or perform without the risk of danger. Deactivating these devices is definitely the first step towards helping the people of Mozambique lead a safer and better life. As a follow up, I would like to see more NGO's or other organizations step up efforts to provided assistance such as wheelchairs or physical therapy to amputee victims. However, this may be a far reaching dream because the biggest challenge right now is getting rid of these landmines.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/mozambique_mine_action/ Thu Nov 12, 2009
Good article, Zac. Sounds like you like the work you're doing but it would scare me half to death. Also makes me appreciate the good old USA a bit more. How many people know about our relationship with Mozambique and the good we do there? Any plans to visit GR soon? Give Amy a big hug for me. You are both still appreciated for the good time I had with you in Africa.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/mozambique_mine_action/ Fri Nov 06, 2009
Great article. What a horrible thing to have to live with everyday, the fear of stepping on a mine. Good Job USA!!!]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/mozambique_mine_action/ Fri Nov 06, 2009
Seems to me like there should be a method of flooding the land with water, creating a swamp land environment, what ever is buried would be rusted and most likely unable to fire. Possibly adding something to the water that adds corrosion to metal and wait a period of time for the water, corrosion to destroy the land mine. Trying like a square of area at a time and zone it off, then flood it completely. Then after its flooded, come in with boats with sonar equipment or metal detectors and find the mines. Once the water, and chemicals have had a time to work, then remove them safely without injury to mankind. Those that have dug up landmines knowing what material the devices are made of would know which element to use to defuse it with, so it would be easier to handle. Just an idea to help remove land mines safe.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/mozambique_mine_action/ Thu Nov 05, 2009