A deminer during mine clearance refresher training at Rajaf, near Juba | File picture

Ten deminers have been killed by government and opposition forces across the country since the beginning of this year, the South Sudan Mine Action Authority has said.

“We can talk of ten deminers who have been killed this year,” Jurkuch Barach who heads the Mine Action Authority told Eye Radio on Monday.

“They get you out of the vehicle you are traveling in and they shoot you before others, while others are let go.”

Those killed were reportedly helping to remove and detonate landmines and other ordinances-mainly in Equatoria region.

Mr. Barach w said the deminers died from clashes between SSPDF and NAS, and SPLA-IO and NAS.

He appeals to warring parties to adhere to the Caseation of Hostilities Agreement, saying the killings are “affecting us very much.”

South Sudan has until July 2026 to complete the clearance of all anti-personnel minefields in the country.

But Barach warned that the continued violence will hinder demining organizations from clearing all minefields across the country.

Last week, two children died from a suspected mine explosion while grazing their goats in the Wonglori area of Jondoru, west of Juba.

According to UN Mine Action Service, more than 5,000 South Sudanese, including 249 children have been killed or injured by landmines and unexploded ordinance since 2004.