The Hidden Killer

Dr. Enas Mohamed Ahmed

The hidden killer lies beneath the ground, making no distinction between human and animal, civilian or soldier, friend or foe. If it does not kill a person outright, it often leaves them with permanent disabilities. This hidden killer retains its lethal capacity long after wars end, holding death and destruction within it. This hidden killer is landmines, which, according to military experts, act as tireless guards that never sleep.

History records that the Chinese were the first to discover gunpowder and use it in primitive fireworks. Eventually, it became a powerful weapon. In the Middle Ages, explosives were used to make traps, or landmines, which detonated when invading armies passed over them or to protect certain areas from advancing enemies. Over time, these weapons evolved and became more technologically advanced, causing greater destruction. There are now many types of landmines, but the most dangerous are the anti-personnel mines, which kill hundreds of thousands of civilians every year.

The effective use of landmines first emerged during World War I in 1916 when Germany developed pressure-activated mines in response to Britain’s invention of advanced tanks. Germany used landmines in battles between July 31 and November 6, 1917, burying square wooden boxes measuring 20 cm by 30 cm and 5 cm in height. Each mine contained 4 kg of explosives, divided into 20 charges that detonated when a tank passed over them.

According to UN statistics, landmines and other unexploded remnants of war killed or injured at least 60,000 civilians worldwide in 2023 alone, most of whom were women and children.

The disaster lies in the fact that 58 countries around the world have landmines buried in their territories, covering about one-third of the Earth’s surface, according to reports from specialized organizations. It is easy to plant landmines—either randomly or according to detailed maps—but it takes years of enormous effort to remove them. The cost of planting mines is significantly lower than that of removing them. Statistics indicate that there are 110 million landmines buried around the world, which will take many years to eliminate.

Due to the devastating impact of landmines on humanity and their chaotic use by states during armed conflicts, the international community sought to establish an international treaty prohibiting the use, production, transportation, and storage of anti-personnel mines. This treaty obligates signatory parties to destroy their stockpiles, clear affected areas, and assist victims. Countries in need of help to meet these obligations can request assistance from capable nations. This treaty, known as the Ottawa Treaty of 1997, entered into force on March 1, 1999. In November 2006, an additional protocol—Protocol V on Explosive Remnants of War—was adopted as part of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons.

Following the adoption of UN General Assembly Resolution 60/97 on December 8, 2005, April 4 of each year was designated as the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, aiming to protect humanity from this significant threat.

The Ottawa Treaty of 1997 serves as a legal instrument under international law to prohibit the production, development, transfer, and use of anti-personnel mines.

In international law, although landmines were extensively used during World War I and World War II, the 1949 Geneva Conventions only addressed their removal. Neither of the two Additional Protocols mentioned them. It wasn’t until 1993 that rising international concern over the impact of anti-personnel landmines on civilians in conflict-affected areas prompted action. The treaty obligates member states to eliminate their anti-personnel mines within four years of joining the treaty.

Globally, countries emerging from conflicts—whether international or internal—routinely reassess the presence of landmines in their territories to protect human and animal life. Given that Sudan is fighting a terrorist militia, it must also take such measures. Landmines are Sudan’s postponed battle. Reports indicate that the terrorist militia planted anti-personnel and anti-vehicle mines in several areas to fend off army attacks—a clear violation of the 1997 Ottawa Treaty. These mines pose a serious threat to civilian life, and such actions must not be overlooked.

It is evident that these mines were planted randomly and without accurate mapping, making their removal a challenging task.

International news agencies reported that on January 13, four civilians were killed when a landmine exploded near Al-Sharif Bridge in the Umm Qurra locality of Al-Jazeera State. The militia had planted several mines in parts of the region during its presence there, even surrounding some areas in Sennar State with mines. This prompted the armed forces to begin mine-clearing operations to protect civilians.

Landmines are a cowardly weapon, hidden beneath sand and soil, waiting to strike its victims mercilessly. They were placed by treacherous hands with the aim of killing civilians, terrifying them, and forcing them to abandon their land, leaving them to face either death or disability. However, no hardship can break a nation known for its glory and resilience. Victory has many faces.