In early 2013, the MSB received a request from United Nations Mine Action Service, UNMAS on the need for EOD support to Mali. EOD stands for Explosive Ordnance Disposal and involves the clearing of explosive objects, such as mines, ammunition and other unexploded ordnance. Christofer Wärme , EOD team leader in Mali, tells us about his experiences.
Since the end of January 2013 the MSB has therefore been supporting UNMAS with two EOD teams. The support need is based on the fact that since the beginning of 2012, insurgents have taken control of the Malian army’s arsenal (ammunition and weapons depot) and large areas have been contaminated with unexploded ordnance (UXO).
The aim of the operation is to train local personnel in humanitarian Explosive Ordnance Disposal (humanitarian mine clearing involves clearing areas where people live and work, unlike, for example, only clearing a road or passage through an area).
Christofer Wärme has been registered on the MSB’ Field Staff Roster since 2007. Today he is EOD team leader in Mali.
– In brief, the work involves mapping contamination by UXO in affected areas, and also clearing UXO that poses a hazard for the population in the area. The security situation in Mali places great demands on operational format and must be considered in all operational activities, says Christofer.
– We work in an environment where very high daytime temperatures require both physical and mental endurance. The work we do has very concrete results for the population in the area. It promotes a rapid recovery, saves lives and reduces injuries caused by UXO.
Christofer's current deployment in Mali is his sixth with the MSB. Some things have changed since his first mission in 2007.
– In mine action, where I primarily operate, there is now a very fast response capability in the form of rapid response teams. The MSB has created high capacity to provide personnel and equipment at short notice and we are now closer to the armed conflict. Personally, I feel that the MSB is now working in areas with a much higher safety risk, but at the same time places greater demands to ensure the appropriate security measures are taken to minimize personnel ending up in trouble.
Safety is one of the reasons that the MSB is always available for our field staff, via a range of emergency preparedness services; and Christofer values that greatly.
– I feel that the MSB always does its utmost in its ambition to support us, the field staff on site response personnel in place. The back-up the MSB delivers to its field staff, both individually and at project level, enables us to achieve the best results in the field.
Christofer thinks the best aspect of the work is that he has been trusted and given a mandate to represent a respected actor in the field of humanitarian operations.
– When a mission is successful and generates tangible results, where people's lives are changing for the better, both the personal me and the professional me are very satisfied, he says. Christofer sees no negative aspects with being deployed on a mission with the MSB but admits that family life at home in Sweden can suffer.
– It requires an understanding and flexibility from relatives and loved ones, probably to a greater extent than in many other professions, he says.