Mine clearance in aid of post conflict peacebuilding; the role of Humanitarian Mine Clearance Pioneer Corps (HMCPC) in Somaliland (1991-1994)

Summary

While Somaliland’s post-conflict recovery and state-building process has been extensively analyzed, the crucial role of landmine clearance remains largely undocumented. This paper examines research conducted in Somaliland from 2010 onwards, focusing on mine clearance undertaken by ex-combatants known as the Humanitarian Mine Clearance Pioneer Corps, or the ‘Pioneers’. This initiative, which predates the professionalization of Humanitarian Mine Action, was agreed upon by clan elders during reconciliation processes and proved essential for enabling humanitarian and relief efforts. The paper analyzes mine clearance through a post-conflict peacebuilding lens, addressing a gap in academic attention that typically focuses on state-centric interventions while neglecting other critical aspects like landmine clearance. The research argues that landmine clearance was fundamental to Somaliland’s post-conflict peacebuilding success. Through a case study of the Pioneer Corps’ efforts between 1991 and 1994, it provides concrete evidence of how mine clearance facilitated post-conflict reconstruction in a highly volatile environment. This nuanced account demonstrates the complexities involved in addressing such challenges and highlights the Pioneer Corps’ vital role in achieving peace and stability in Somaliland, offering insights into non-state-centric peacebuilding approaches.

Keywords

mine clearance, peacebuilding, Somaliland, HMCPC