Title: “Disposal of explosives in Mabenga: UPDF ensures the safety of civilians in eastern DRC”
Introduction :
In the Mabenga region, located in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Ugandan Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (UPDF) team has been working tirelessly to eliminate the dangers posed by munitions unexploded. With a past marked by clashes between the M23 rebels and the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC), the Mabenga region is particularly exposed to the risks associated with abandoned explosives. Thanks to the efforts of the UPDF, peace and security are gradually being restored, allowing civilians to resume their agricultural activities. This article highlights the actions taken by the UPDF to protect the population and prevent accidents related to unexploded ordnance.
Essential work to ensure the safety of civilians:
Since their deployment in the Mabenga area, UPDF soldiers have taken responsibility for protecting civilians from the dangers of unexploded ordnance. Using their expertise in explosive ordnance disposal, they managed to safely dispose of 18 pieces of ordinance, including rocket-propelled grenade bombs, main battle tank bombs, anti-tank bombs, recoilless bombs , bomb detonators and hand grenades. These abandoned objects posed a real threat to the lives of people and animals in the area.
Challenges encountered and safety tips:
In a context where agriculture plays a major role in the life of the population of Mabenga, the presence of unexploded ordnance in fields and plantations constitutes a major challenge. The commander of the 9th UPDF battalion, Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel Mawanda Lubega, stresses the importance of raising awareness among the population of the dangerousness of these explosives. He recommends residents to be alert and careful when handling unfamiliar materials, as bombs can cause death once they explode.
The recognition of the inhabitants of Mabenga:
Mabenga farmers are grateful to the UPDF for their efforts to clear unexploded ordnance. They call on the EACRF (East African Community Regional Force) and its partners to continue to intervene in the region in order to guarantee the safety of the inhabitants and to clear the affected areas of explosives. For these farmers, their lives depend on agriculture and animal husbandry, so being able to work safely is essential.
Conclusion :
The disposal of explosive ordnance in the Mabenga region of the DRC is essential work to ensure the safety of civilians and promote the resumption of agricultural activities. Thanks to the action of the UPDF, peace and tranquility are gradually returning to the region. However, there is still work to be done to completely eliminate unexploded ordnance and ensure a safe environment for residents. Vigilance and caution are needed on the part of the population to avoid accidents related to these abandoned explosives. With continued intervention by the UPDF and its partners, the Mabenga region will gradually regain the long-awaited serenity and prosperity