Tragedy in Mozambique

The story below describes a horrible tragedy in Mozambique over the weekend. Our thoughts go out to the family that has lost so much.

The Foundation and our international partners have been supporting mine action in Mozambique for many years. I just visited Mozambique in May and was inspired by the strength of the people that have faced such hardship coming out of conflict. I was so proud of the many Canadians, especially in Rotary District 7070, that have supported landmine clearance in Mozambique. With continued support, eventually we will not have to read about the tragic impact of landmines anymore in Mozambique.

Paul

Six children killed after finding landmine
From correspondents in Maputo
August 26, 2007
The Daily Telegraph

SIX children from the same family were killed when a landmine left over from Mozambique's civil war exploded in the southeast African country, the interior ministry said today.
The children found the landmine while playing on Thursday in a field behind their home near the village of Namacura in central Mozambique, the ministry said.

One of the children wanted to open the explosive device, which resembled a can, causing the blast. The victims were between the ages of five and 16, public television reported.

Some 15 years after the end of the 1976-1992 civil war, more than 100sq km remain to be de-mined in the country nearly twice the size of California, especially in rural areas.

About 10 people die each year in accidental mine explosions in Mozambique.

In March, an explosion ripped apart Mozambique's main armoury and killed 119 people. Many of the explosives that went off in the blast were left over from the civil war.