Colombia: Fourteen municipalities declared clear of landmines

Event

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos announced on Thursday, August 17, that 14 municipalities have been cleared of landmines, and that the government intends to complete demining efforts in the country by the end of 2021. The following municipalities were declared mine free: Cocorná, El Peñón, Medellín,  Sábana de Torres, Santa Marta, Aracataca, Chibolo, Fundación, Zona Bananera, Barranquilla, Talaigua Nuevo, Regidor, Cumaral, and Guamal.

Landmines are still present in an estimated 507 municipalities, down from 673 in 2016. It is also reported that nearly 1000 former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) members will join international organizations and Colombian military personnel in demining activities.

Context

A revised peace deal between the FARC and the Colombian government was ratified by the Colombian congress in November 2016 despite vocal opposition, led primarily by former President Álvaro Uribe. The deal ended an armed conflict that has killed more than 260,000 people over five decades. Government statistics indicate that anti-personnel landmines have killed 2272 and injured 9233 since 1990. According to the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, Colombia has the second highest landmine casualty rate, after Afghanistan.

Advice

Due to the presence of various armed groups, including narcotraffickers, organized crime, and guerrillas, many Western governments advise against travel to various regions of the country - particularly rural zones - with the notable exceptions of the northern Caribbean regions and central areas (including Bogotá). ​