DRC Farmers Burn Land Amid Explosives Fears
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The lush landscapes of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) belie a hidden and deadly threat: unexploded ordnance (UXO) left behind from decades of conflict. Beyond the immediate casualties, these remnants of war are crippling agricultural production, fueling food insecurity, and hindering the recovery of already vulnerable communities.
A Legacy of Explosives: The Scale of the Problem
For years, North and South Kivu provinces have been ravaged by armed conflict involving numerous armed groups. As fighting shifts and territories change hands, combatants often leave behind a trail of unexploded grenades, mortars, and landmines. These aren’t relics of a distant past; they continue to claim lives and limbs long after the battles have ended.
Recent reports paint a grim picture. Witnesses report a continuing rise in deaths and injuries in North Kivu, where clashes are ongoing. Just months ago, two young boys in Kahande, north of Kirumba, were killed when one struck a grenade with a hoe while farming. A similar tragedy occurred in Alimbongo, and in Kanyabayonga, a man lost his leg to an explosion.The danger isn’t confined to fields. A United Nations Security Council report documented UXO discovered inside a rural church, and also near schools and hospitals – places that should be sanctuaries, not potential death traps. Thankfully,UN partners recently cleared 22 schools in South Kivu of discarded explosives,but the scale of the problem suggests this is just a drop in the bucket.
Desperate Measures and a Cycle of Destruction
The fear of encountering UXO is driving desperate measures. In Pandaroma, northeast of Kirumba, a landowner, fearing hidden explosives, resorted to burning a eucalyptus plantation to clear the land. The charred remains are now being used to produce charcoal, a short-term solution with long-term environmental consequences. This illustrates a heartbreaking dilemma: people are forced to choose between risking their lives in the fields or destroying their livelihoods.
“There’s no one who can remove the explosives left in our fields,” says kasereka Lukogho, a 57-year-old farmer. “How long are we going to wait? Hunger is its own war.” His words encapsulate the agonizing reality faced by countless farmers. They need to cultivate their land to feed their families, but doing so carries a terrifying risk.
The Challenges of Demining and the Urgent Need for Support
Addressing this crisis is a monumental task. Zaria, a representative from an anti-mine group, stresses the importance of avoiding risky areas and reporting any discovered devices to local authorities. His advice is simple but crucial: “If someone sees an explosive device, don’t touch it – inform the people around you, the local authorities and, if possible, put up a sign that there is a danger. These devices should not be thrown into latrines or rivers, or buried.”
However,even with awareness,the lack of resources is crippling demining efforts. Zaria acknowledges ”insufficient funding for anti-mine activities and perhaps even less information on the case of Lubero.” Currently, no demining organizations have a presence in Lubero, and any organized effort would face significant financial, security, and logistical hurdles.
The situation demands a coordinated and well-funded response. Increased investment in demining operations, coupled with robust community education programs, is essential. Moreover, supporting alternative livelihood opportunities for farmers can reduce the pressure to cultivate possibly dangerous land.
This isn’t just a humanitarian issue; it’s a matter of sustainable progress. Untill the threat of unexploded ordnance is addressed, eastern Congo will remain trapped in a cycle of conflict, poverty, and fear.The international community must step up and provide the resources and support needed to clear these lands and allow communities to rebuild their lives.