(JUBA) – South Sudan has launched a new mine action programme backed by the Government of Japan in a move aimed at strengthening national capacity to clear explosive remnants of war and open more land for farming, transport and development.
The initiative was formally launched at the headquarters of the National Mine Action Authority in Juba on 1 October 2025. It is being implemented by the United Nations Mine Action Service with financial support from Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
Japan will provide 335 million yen, which is roughly 2.2 million United States Dollars or about 15.6 billion South Sudanese Pounds at the current exchange rate of 7,100 SSP to one Dollar. The funds will be used over the next 18 months to supply equipment, improve coordination systems and train national teams working in mine clearance.
Officials at the launch said mine clearance is not only a security issue but a foundation for development and business recovery. Contaminated land prevents communities from planting crops, restricts humanitarian access and blocks road projects. With more than 22 square kilometres still reported to be unsafe, the need for continued support remains high.
More than 1.2 million explosive devices have already been destroyed across the country since independence. Over 1,300 square kilometres of land have been cleared and more than 4,000 kilometres of road opened as a result of mine action work. However, explosions still injure civilians returning to their villages, with children accounting for the majority of recent victims.
Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Mine Action Authority and the United Nations Mine Action Service attended the ceremony alongside Ambassador Odagiri of Japan. Speaking at the launch, officials called on other donors to maintain contributions so that South Sudan can meet the 2026 clearance target under the Anti Personnel Mine Ban Convention.
Japan has provided more than 16 million United States Dollars to mine action in South Sudan since 2011. In addition to the new grant, it has supplied a further 300,000 Dollars this year to support training, gender inclusion and technical development within the National Mine Action Authority. Mixed teams of men and women are now involved in mine clearance operations in several states.
Japan’s support is part of a wider policy to promote peace and safety in Africa. At the recent Tokyo International Conference on African Development held in Yokohama, mine action was listed as a priority for cooperation between Asian and African governments.
| Funding Source | Amount (USD) | Amount (SSP) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Japan Grant | 2.2 million | 15.6 billion SSP | 18 months |
| Additional Support in 2025 | 300,000 | 2.13 billion SSP | Ongoing |
Officials at the launch warned that recent insecurity in Eastern Equatoria, where a mine action vehicle was ambushed on the Torit to Juba road, shows that field work remains dangerous. Improved road security and political stability were listed as crucial to keeping deminers safe and protecting investments.
Stakeholders urged the Government of South Sudan to include mine action in its national development strategy and allocate internal funds to match international support. They said mine clearance is essential for agriculture, trade, school access and the return of displaced communities.
Japan says it will continue supporting efforts until farmers can cultivate their fields without fear and children can walk to school without risk of hidden explosives. The new programme is seen as an important boost to South Sudan’s path toward a mine free future.