The Landmine Factor in the Peacekeeping Debate in Africa

This research paper by the Institute for Security Studies examines the intersection of anti-personnel landmines and the development of peacekeeping standby forces in Africa. It analyzes the operational challenges posed by landmines in irregular African conflicts, the progress of the Ottawa Convention across the continent, and the specific legislative and policy frameworks adopted by South Africa and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to combat mine proliferation.

• Africa is considered the most contaminated continent regarding landmines globally. As of 2002, Landmine Monitor identified 30 affected countries in Africa, with 24 located in sub-Saharan Africa.
• The African Union is working toward an African Stand-by Force to manage conflict and crisis situations. This initiative includes a plan for five regional standby brigades, with the first phase expected by 2005 and a more permanent force established by 2010.
• Unlike conventional warfare where minefields are mapped and demarcated, landmine use in Africa is typically irregular and indiscriminate. Mines are often used in a "lay-and-forget" manner, remaining active for decades after conflicts end.
• The Ottawa Convention, which bans the production, stockpiling, and use of anti-personnel mines, has seen significant adoption in Africa. By September 26, 2003, 50 African countries had signed or ratified it, though Egypt, Libya, and Morocco remained entirely outside the convention.
• South Africa has transitioned from using landmines in its military doctrine to implementing strict prohibitions. The 2003 Anti-Personnel Mines Prohibition Act criminalizes the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of these mines, with penalties including fines up to R1 million for companies or imprisonment up to 25 years for individuals.
• The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has established a Mine Action Committee and a declaration to create a landmine-free region. While all SADC countries have ratified the Ottawa Convention, the region still faces institutional weaknesses in facilitating mine-action operators.

APA

Stott, N., Sturman, K., & Cilliers, J. (2003). The Landmine Factor in the Peacekeeping Debate in Africa. Institute for Security Studies. https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/PAPER80.PDF

Chicago

Stott, Noel, Kathryn Sturman, and Jakkie Cilliers. The Landmine Factor in the Peacekeeping Debate in Africa. Institute for Security Studies, 2003. https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/PAPER80.PDF.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Stott |first1=Noel |last2=Sturman |first2=Kathryn |last3=Cilliers |first3=Jakkie |title=The Landmine Factor in the Peacekeeping Debate in Africa |publisher=Institute for Security Studies |date=November 2003 |url=https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/PAPER80.PDF |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{stott2003landmine, author = {Stott, Noel and Sturman, Kathryn and Cilliers, Jakkie}, title = {{The Landmine Factor in the Peacekeeping Debate in Africa}}, institution = {Institute for Security Studies}, year = {2003}, month = nov, url = {https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/PAPER80.PDF}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }