Central African Republic: Mine Action

By Fanta DEMBA | LAMINE MÉDIA
Translated into English by Karen Ann SULLIVAN l LNC

(Bangui, October 22, 2026 | LAMINE MÉDIA) The government of the Central African Republic is strengthening its national capacities for mine action and the control of small arms and light weapons—with the support of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). On October 21, Ebrima Ceesay, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, visited the National Mine Action Authority (ANLAM) and the National Commission for the Fight Against the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (COMNAT-ALPC) to assess the progress made through their partnership with the United Nations.
ANLAM was established in September 2025 and has been receiving support from the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) to bolster its operational capabilities. This assistance notably facilitated the validation, in June 2026, of the National Mine Action Strategy (2026–2031) and the National Action Plan (2026–2028).
UN support also encompasses the rehabilitation of infrastructure, the provision of IT equipment and transport, and the supply of specialized gear for demining operations. Despite these achievements, however, the institution still needs to increase its staffing levels, enhance the technical training of its personnel, and expand its presence beyond Bangui.
Ebrima Ceesay’s delegation also visited COMNAT-ALPC—established in 2017—where they observed demonstrations of weapons marking and destruction. These operations aim, among other things, to prevent the diversion of small arms and light weapons and to stop them from being put back into use.
As Benjamin Saraganza, the Commission’s chairperson, points out, marking weapons ensures they can be traced in the event of theft or disappearance. He also highlighted the need to permanently destroy obsolete weapons to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands.
At the conclusion of his visit, Ebrima Ceesay expressed satisfaction with the results achieved through cooperation between the United Nations and national institutions. He added that MINUSCA would continue to provide support, within the limits of available resources.

For: LAMINE MEDIA (in FR and GB)
Date: 22 October 2026
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