South Sudan Mine Action Delegation Learns About Mine Action at CMAC

Heng Ratana, Director General of CMAC, held a working meeting with a delegation from the South Sudan Mine Action Authority, led by Mike Rashid Fulla Obaldo, Director General of the National Mine Action Authority of South Sudan (NMAA South Sudan), during their visit to Cambodia from January 19 to 30, 2026.

The meeting took place on January 19 at CMAC Headquarters in Phnom Penh.

During the visit, the South Sudan delegation aims to learn about Cambodia’s mine action sector, particularly CMAC’s mine and ERW clearance operations, as well as the knowledge and experience that have earned CMAC global recognition.

Ratana briefed the delegation on the support provided by the Royal Government of Cambodia, led by Prime Minister Hun Manet, which enables CMAC to train and share expertise with other countries affected by remnants of war. 

He also provided an overview of Cambodia’s war history, which left millions of unexploded ordnance, the establishment and development of CMAC, progress in mine clearance, and the growth of CMAC’s technical capacity to safely remove remnants of war and support national development.

Ratana highlighted recent challenges, including cluster munitions—banned internationally—that were used by the Thai military during the July and December 2025 conflict.

In response, Mike Rashid Fulla Obaldo expressed deep appreciation for the Cambodian government’s support of CMAC and its efforts to share expertise with countries affected by UXO. 

He noted that South Sudan still requires support in mine action, which motivated the delegation’s visit to gain insights to strengthen their national program.

Obaldo praised CMAC’s success in destroying mines and UXO, emphasizing its contribution to saving lives and enabling safe economic development. 

He acknowledged CMAC as a leading national institution whose knowledge, experience, and technical expertise in mine action attract international interest and training opportunities. 

He expressed hope that CMAC will continue sharing its successful practices in humanitarian mine clearance and promoting public participation in protection from landmines and remnants of war.

During their visit, the South Sudan delegation will tour the Technical Institute of Mine Action in Kampong Chhnang province, the CMAC Community Development Center, the Central Workshop in Battambang province, the Techo Peace Museum in Siem Reap province, and an underwater unexploded ordnance clearance site.

Source: https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501829693/south-sudan-mine-action-delegation-learns-about-mine-action-at-cmac/