OSIL was established following a 1996 conference on the adverse impact of mines. The conference was attended by the SPLM/A, International and Indigenous NGOs, and civil society groups led by New Sudan Council of Churches (NSCC).

In an attempt to redress the impact of landmines, SPLM/A and NSCC commissioned OSIL to carry out humanitarian mine action in SPLA controlled areas. A concept paper for humanitarian demining was set up and soon afterwards OSIL developed its first partnership with Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (SRRC), NSCC and Africa Peace Forum. This partnership advocated for the ban of use of landmines and supported OSIL in fundraising for immediate operational activities.

OSIL has over a decade’s experience in establishing, coordinating and implementing humanitarian mine action in south Sudan. Our experience is unique, as it has been gained during both the war and post-conflict periods. Furthermore, the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in January 2005 has had several positive impacts for OSIL’s operations:

• The establishment of New Sudan’s Mine Action Directorate (NSMAD) to build a sustainable and national mine action programme that meets long-term needs. This runs parallel to OSIL’s strategy as an indigenous Sudanese NGO, to promote local community and national ownership of humanitarian demining operations.

• The ushering in of UN’s Mission in Sudan - (UNMIS), following the UN Security Council resolution 1590. In accordance with the CPA, the UN has been mandated to assist NSMAD in humanitarian demining activities in terms of technical advice and coordination via UN Mine Action Office (UNMAO). UNMAO integrates all mine action activities of respective UN agencies.

It is envisaged that these new developments will stabilise Sudan’s political and security situation, facilitating a smooth and comprehensive implementation of the mine action programme.