Women Deminers Lead Change in Upper Nile

(MALAKAL, UPPER NILE) – A large land clearance and resettlement effort supported by the United Nations and local authorities is underway in Hai Salaam, an area near Malakal, with the aim of making the land safe for families to settle and rebuild their lives.

The project covers nearly 19 million square metres and follows continued interest from residents inspired by the earlier transformation of Hai Mataar, where community gardens and small farms have begun to flourish.

For many people in Malakal, the name Hai Salaam, which translates as welcoming peace, holds meaning after years of conflict and displacement. The new initiative offers an opportunity for families to create stable homes and access land for farming and daily life.

Large areas of Upper Nile remain affected by explosive remnants of past fighting. These dangers have prevented communities from using farmland at a time when food insecurity remains widespread across South Sudan.

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan is working with the International Organization for Migration, the UN Refugee Agency, and local authorities to clear and restore the area.

The work is carried out by the United Nations Mine Action Service, which performs what it refers to as battlefield area clearance. This method involves first reviewing conflict history, speaking with local residents, and identifying areas that require deeper investigation.

The clearance process includes both surface and below ground checks, reaching up to 40 centimetres beneath the soil to ensure the area is safe for living, farming, and movement.

Trained deminers use metal detectors to identify suspicious objects and remove them slowly and carefully. The work demands accuracy, patience, and teamwork. For many of the workers, safety is guided by strict training and constant attention to detail.

One of the deminers, Florence Apai, has been working with the team since September 2024. She says that while she was initially afraid, training helped her develop confidence. She explained that the job is not only about safety but also about breaking assumptions, especially as more women take part in roles traditionally seen as only for men.

Florence grew up near Yei, where her own community once benefited from similar clearance work. She said that experience helped shape her commitment to helping other families regain their freedom of movement and ability to live without fear.

When the land clearance in Hai Salaam is completed, residents of Malakal will be able to apply to move into newly prepared housing plots. Local authorities expect the area to accommodate hundreds of families. The resettlement process will be open to people from different communities, offering a chance for shared rebuilding.

For many in Upper Nile, the project represents not only a housing opportunity but also a chance to move away from the memories of conflict and toward a more stable life.

Mine Action Teams Work to Restore Farmland in Malakal