South Sudan to tap into CMAC’s demining expertise

The National Mine Action Authority (NMAA) of South Sudan has arrived in Cambodia to study the Kingdom’s world-leading landmine clearance operations, aiming to strengthen its own capacity to neutralise deadly explosive remnants of war.

NMAA Director General Mike Rashid Fulla Obaldo met with CMAC Director General Heng Ratana yesterday to inaugurate a week-long working visit. The mission, which continues until January 24, focuses on technical exchange and the management of humanitarian demining.

The visit, supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), comes as Cambodia solidifies its reputation as a global hub for mine action expertise. Over three decades, Cambodia has transformed from one of the world’s most heavily contaminated nations into a recognised leader in survey techniques, information management, and victim support.

Ratana said the visit focuses on learning from Cambodia’s experience, especially CMAC’s work in clearing landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW). He said that under Prime Minister Hun Manet’s leadership, Cambodia is committed to sharing its expertise with other countries facing similar challenges.

The visit is supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The delegation is scheduled to tour several key facilities, such as the Technical Institute of Mine Action in Kampong Chhnang and the Morodok Techo Development Centre in Battambang. They will also observe active mine clearance activities and specialised underwater unexploded ordnance operations.

During the meeting, Ratana said the Cambodian government’s backing for the CMAC under Prime Minister Hun Manet, especially in sharing expertise on ERW with affected nations.

Obaldo praised CMAC as a “world-leading national institution,” noting that South Sudan faces significant challenges in reclaiming safe land for economic development. “The South Sudanese delegation came to Cambodia to gain the insights necessary to strengthen our own national mine action,” Obaldo said, acknowledging that while South Sudan has many competing priorities, demining remains a critical humanitarian need.

Cambodia’s expertise includes advanced dog-detection units and strict operational standards refined over years of field experience. Through partnerships with JICA, CMAC has long provided training to African states, including previous technical exchanges with South Sudan.

Beyond bilateral visits, Cambodia continues to contribute to global peace and security through the United Nations peacekeeping framework, sharing its demining expertise with conflict-affected states worldwide to promote peace and economic stability.KhmerTime