Azerbaijan’s ANAMA signs cooperation agreement with GICHD to tackle mine threat

Azerbaijan’s National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) to strengthen cooperation in clearing explosive hazards.

The agreement, announced by ANAMA on August 8, is aimed at boosting the agency’s operational capacity, enhancing strategic planning and supporting public awareness campaigns about the dangers posed by landmines and unexploded ordnance, Caliber.Az reports.

Under the memorandum, the two sides will also collaborate on joint projects, share expertise and conduct training programmes covering humanitarian demining and environmental protection.

Azerbaijan is among the most heavily mined countries in the world, with vast areas of the Karabakh region and surrounding districts contaminated following decades of conflict with Armenia.

Since the 2020 ceasefire, mine explosions have killed or injured hundreds of civilians and military personnel. ANAMA, established in 1998, leads national demining operations, often working with international partners to clear affected territories, support victims and restore land for safe civilian use.

By Aghakazim Guliyev