For years, humanitarian demining has been a crucial issue for Colombia, and even more, when for decades of armed conflict, the installation of explosive devices has represented a threat to the lives of Colombians.
In this context, international cooperation has been fundamental, and one of the most important actors has been the Brazilian government, whose commitment has been key in the demining process in the country. The military of the Brazilian Navy and the Brazilian Army have worked with the Colombian authorities in the framework of effective strategies for the identification and clearance of mines.
In 2015, in response to the request of the Colombian National Navy, Marinha do Brasil sent certified officers in humanitarian demining to train Colombian instructors in the context of the creation of the Colombian Navy's Humanitarian Demining Training School. In the same year, the Brazilian Army signed a bilateral agreement with the Colombian National Army to send a Brazilian officer as an instructor at the National Center of Explosive Devices and Mines (CENAM).
In 2016, with the creation of the BRDEH and its battalions, the Brazilian Army decided to send one officer for each unit. In turn, to expand the mission, they sent a delegation of Brazilian military personnel to support the education operation at the International Demining Center (CIDES), in Tolemaida.
Finally, on February 21, 2018, the Ministry of Defense of Brazil and the Ministry of Defense of Colombia signed a Memorandum of Understanding that covered the previous missions and expanded cooperation, creating the Mission of Instructors and Advisers of Humanitarian Demining (MIADH), with more positions and functions related to instruction and advice on this issue.
Currently, the personnel of the MIADH is made up of eight military (three of the Brazilian Navy and five of the Brazilian Army), distributed in the Demining Brigade, the CIDES, the CIEAN and the CEPAZ, providing mutual support in instruction and technical advice.
The proactive attitude of the Brazilian Ministry of Defense reflects its commitment to the challenge of a mine-free Colombia. This collaboration has strengthened not only the technical resources, but in the same way the bonds of partnership between the two countries. The Brazilian support has not only boosted the demining operations, but has in the same way served as a powerful message of unity and collaboration between sister nations in Latin America.
This cooperation is celebrating its 10th anniversary, a milestone in the history of Colombia and Brazil, a symbol of hope and a benchmark of what can be achieved when countries decide to work together towards the same goal.
The experience and specialization of the Ministry of Defense of Brazil in humanitarian demining in Colombia is a commitment to continue that operation in the construction of a country where every Colombian can live without the fear of a mine under their feet.
Source: Press – Humanitarian Demining Brigade
