Mozambique's government has declared the country free of land mines.
"It's with great pleasure that I have the privilege to declare Mozambique a country free of the threat of landmines," foreign affairs minister Oldemiro Baloi announced on Thursday, according to AFP. Demining in west African country began in 1992 immediately after the end of a 15-year civil war.
Scottish charity HALO Trust, which has led the demining campaign in oil rich western African country, said it had cleared last known mine on Mozambique's territory, BBC News reported. More than 170,000 landmines, reportedly planted during the war of independence with Portugal that ended in 1975, were removed during the U.S.-supported demining operation.
Over 22 years HALO's cleared over 171,000 landmines from 1,100 minefields in #Mozambique. 80% of the total landmines destroyed. #MineFreeMoz
— The HALO Trust (@theHALOTrust) September 18, 2015
"Mozambique is a compelling example of how dealing with the deadly debris of war systematically and in partnership with government, local people and donors can bring stability, recovery and growth to countries ravaged by war," James Cowan, CEO of HALO Trust, said in a press release.
"This is a proud day for Mozambique. Ridding our country of landmines was tremendously difficult, but the bravery and determination of our demining teams proves to the world that it is possible for countries to become mine free," Alberto Augusto, director of country's Institute of Demining said, according to HALO press release.
The Mozambican government, however, warned that the risk of mine explosion still remained in some areas. "It would be unrealistic to say that there will never again be accidents related to mines or other explosive devices. History shows otherwise," foreign minister Baloi said.
