Landmine explosion kills SSPDF soldier in Aweil East

AWEIL – A South Sudanese People’s Defense Force (SSPDF) soldier was killed on Tuesday by a landmine explosion while attempting to clear farmland near a military base in Warguet Payam of Aweil East County in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State.

The soldier, identified as 40-year-old Mel Tong Lual Lual, was reportedly clearing land for cultivation in an area bordering Sudan, according to William Kiir, the payam administrator of Warguet.

Kiir told Sudans Post that on Sunday the incident has raised fears of widespread landmine contamination in the contested area, which has been a source of tension between Sudan and South Sudan for years.

“People are afraid to farm uncultivated areas anymore,” Kiir said by phone from Warguet. “They are avoiding large plots of land that seem productive for fear of landmines.”

Kiir appealed to international demining organizations to assist the local population.

“The people of Warguet are vulnerable to landmine dangers unless these areas are cleared,” he said.

“Many war-affected areas, including parts of towns, haven’t seen any demining efforts. We urge the government to engage and fund demining operations to reduce the risk of casualties among people and animals,” he added.

Landmines remain a significant threat in South Sudan due to past conflicts. Many areas have not been cleared, posing a danger to civilians and hindering agricultural activities.