Petro Awards Certificate for Mine-Cleared Area in Bolivar, Colombia

The national government of Colombia has handed the Bolivar region a certificate that ratifies the Montes de Maria region as a now mine-free zone. This certification was received by Manuel Berrio, Security Secretary of Bolivar, representing Governor Yamil Arana Padaui. 

Berrio stated, “In representation of Governor Yamil Arana, I’d like to thank the heroic work of Colombia’s armed forces that has allowed the citizens of Bolivar to leave behind dark times in which stepping on the land could activate a mine.” 

The ceremony took place in the Carmen de Bolivar municipality, and President Petro was in attendance. He once again congratulated the Demining Batallion and amphibious engineers of Colombia’s armed forces for their work. 

The total mine-free zone is 770 square kilometers. In the process, close to 251 mines were destroyed, benefitting almost 2.5 million people who live in the area. 

A task-force of close to 2250 infantry members worked tirelessly to achieve this remarkable result, aided by 5695 individuals who were trained to recognize mines and take the necessary steps when encountering them. This was a considerable undertaking, of a kind that undoubtedly plays a crucial role in ensuring safety in landmine-prone areas. 

Colombia has had a very critical mine problem due to its past conflicts, and its government and army are working to protect people and to make Colombia a mine-free country. 

Other de-mining programs in Colombia

This program joins other very successful de-mining programs in Colombia. In 2015, the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) collaborated to launch the El Orejón De-mining Program. The program was aimed at clearing the most heavily mined area in Colombia, which is known as El Orejón, the first site for this initiative.

In the same year, the National De-mining Program was established. This program, led by the Colombian government, the National Army, and Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), aims to rid the country of landmines completely by the year 2025.