The FCO is helping Guinea Bissau to heal the wounds of conflict by funding a programme to collect and destroy small and light weapons and ammunition.

The FCO-supported project is important - practically and symbolically - as the country begins its economic and psychological recovery.

Political instability

After gaining independence from Portugal in 1974, years of political instability dogged this small west African republic, culminating in two years of civil war at the end of the nineties.

For decades weapons and ammunition flooded into the country as different political groups vied for power. By the end of the civil war the country was strewn with deadly unexploded mines.

Weapons-clearing project

The weapons-clearing project is run by a UK-based voluntary organisation, Cleared Ground Demining. They are working with and training a local group, Lutamos Todos Contra As Minas (translated as ‘Our Common Fight Against Mines), and are also undertaking extensive work to remove and destroy unexploded mines.

The FCO has given £14,975 towards weapon-clearing and destruction equipment - including vehicles and an explosive waste incinerator – for the project.

Many tonnes of weapons

With FCO funding this project has removed 1.5 tonnes of munitions and held seminars which reached over 1100 people, to warn local populations over how to handle explosive remnants.

The UK ambassador from the Dakar Embassy, Senegal has been to see the project in action, as have staff from DfiD; both praised the work of Cleared Ground and LUTCAM.

Read more about our work in the prevention and resolution of conflict.