German support for Tripoli clearance

Germany's Federal Foreign Office (GFFO) is to provide urgent funding for The HALO Trust’s project to clear explosive debris around Tripoli, the Libyan capital. The clearance is needed because of escalating civilian casualties.

On a visit to Tripoli this week, Germany's Foreign Minister, Heiko Maas was given a demonstration of the techniques used to clear tripwire devices and other unexploded munitions of the kind HALO is finding in southern districts of Tripoli. The explosive hazards have been found in the aftermath of fighting in the city earlier in the year.

The funding from the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO) will allow HALO to immediately deploy emergency survey and clearance teams. HALO will be clearing landmines, unexploded bombs and shells as well as tripwire threats. Libya’s Mine Action Centre has reported over 162 casualties from accidents caused by explosives since 22 May 2020.

With German support, HALO will be able to start emergency survey immediately, covering the most badly contaminated areas in southern Tripoli based on urgent humanitarian need. The clearance of access roads, critical infrastructure and residential areas will enable the safe return of around 200,000 people who have been displaced by the fighting.

By identifying, marking and clearing explosives, HALO will open up the area for other humanitarian organisations and Government agencies to provide services in the affected areas. HALO has developed the project in close cooperation with the Libyan Mine Action Centre (LibMAC).

"The GFFO's quick provision of support is extremely important in the face of alarmingly high numbers of accidents in Tripoli. Displaced people are desperate to return to their homes" said Nicholas Torbet, HALO's Deputy Head of Region.

"With this funding HALO can get on with urgent job of surveying and clearing the dangerous debris that threatens them."