MAG's current operations in Chad aim at enhancing living conditions for populations in areas where refugees and internally displaced people are returning. This involves rendering accessible natural resources, roadways and living areas that are contaminated by the presence of unexploded ordnance (UXO). Two teams, seconded from the Chadian National Demining Centre (CND) are currently deployed in eastern Chad.
In October 2009, the demining teams have marked, stored, transported, and destroyed 547kg of ammunition; thereby rendering safe agricultural and grazing areas for the region of Am-Dam, with a population of approx 20,000 people. The teams have treated a total area of 29km².
In total since July 2008, MAG Chad has destroyed more than 65,177 tons of ammunition and cleared 115,000km².
MAG Chad is in urgent need of funding to continue operations in the country. Priorities for the coming year include:
1. Emergency response: As rebel attacks are still frequent, MAG intends to continue Battle Area Clearance (BAC) in former combat zones, mainly in eastern Chad, an area occupied by vulnerable populations such as IDPs and refugees.
2. Development: It is estimated that more than ten million mines are present in the North (Borkou-Ennedi-Tibesti provinces) thus hindering freedom of movement for commercial interests and access to natural resources, as well as the safety of the local population. MAG Chad will aim to begin the process of clearance of mines in this area.
3. Capacity building: MAG will continue to work closely with the CND to provide support technical assistance in operations and administration, thereby building a strong national capacity in demining and associated work.
MAG would like to express its gratitude to the following current donors to the Chad programme:
European Union
Department for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Canada (DFAIT)
National Demining Center
For more information on this or any of MAG's programmes across the world please visit www.maginternational.org or contact:
Katie Fernandez (Regional Desk Officer) Ron Veilleux (Project Manager)
Email: katie.fernandez@maginternational.org Email: projectmanager@magchad.org
Tel: (0044) 161 238 5459 Tel: (235) 369 4328
