CAS MT Seminar Series: Sarah Njeri, Lecturer in Humanitarian and Development Studies, SOAS - 'Beyond State-Building: Local Mine Clearance and Peacebuilding in Somaliland (1991–1994)'

Please join us for a talk by Dr Sarah Njeri.

How did a locally initiated mine clearance programme contribute to Somaliland's post-conflict recovery? This seminar examines the largely undocumented work of the Humanitarian Mine Clearance Pioneer Corps (HMCPC)—a group of ex-combatants who, between 1991 and 1994, removed over 78,000 mines under extraordinarily challenging conditions. Dr Sarah Njeri challenges conventional state-centric peacebuilding analyses by demonstrating how mine clearance was fundamental to reconstruction, DDR objectives, and humanitarian operations. Drawing on archival research and interviews, she reveals both the successes and failures of this intervention, offering a nuanced understanding that moves beyond simplistic critiques of liberal peacebuilding.The presentation provides critical lessons for contemporary mine action programmes and contributes to broader debates about locally driven interventions in fragile contexts. 

All are welcome to attend. This event will be followed by an informal drinks reception.