Ron is a retired explosive detection dog born in the United Kingdom and trained by Dog Detectives. He worked for TDI in Timbuktu in Mali from 2016 until he was retired in April 2022. His work was to search vehicles entering various UN compounds. When working dogs are retired TDI endeavors to find the best homes possible for them so that they can transition into a new human family life.

Following the completion of Phases I and II, TDI is now engaged on Phase III of the Eastern Border Mine Clearance project which extends from Ardahan to Ağrı (Doğubayazıt) along the border with Armenia and Iran, a distance of almost 170km, and includes 96 minefields containing over 80,000 landmines.

Every year on April 4th, TDI takes part in celebrations to mark International Mine Awareness Day (IMAD). The worldwide theme for this year’s celebrations was “Safe Ground, Safe Steps, Safe Home.” Landmines and unexploded ordnance continue to threaten millions of people around the world today. In light of this, the theme was chosen to recognise the achievements made in clearing the world of landmines and highlighting the work that still needs to be done.

At TDI, we are proud of the women who work in mine action, so we are dedicating the whole month of March to them. We begin by highlighting Elisabeth, our Project Manager in the Central African Republic.

In South Sudan, unstable ammunition and weapons storage pose a threat to civilians and communities. In August 2020, TDI deployed Ammunition Technical Officers and Ammunition Disposal Teams to conduct inspections, large scale disposal and enhance the safety of these storage facilities.

April 4th is International Mine Awareness Day that is observed annually to reflect on the devastating effects landmines and unexploded ordnance have on land, communities and livelihoods, whilst focusing on the efforts made so far to clear contaminated areas for the future safety of those at risk.

Are you familiar with the work that Combat Stress does? For over 100 years this charity has provided assistance to veterans from every service and conflict. Read more here to find out about this charity and why it is so close to Sean, a Trainer/Mentor for TDI.

For over 100 years, Combat Stress has assisted former servicemen and women dealing with issues including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression. Today, the charity provides “specialist treatment and support for veterans from every service and conflict, focusing on those with complex mental health issues.”

For over a decade, TDI has conducted clearance activities throughout South Sudan. In early 2020, TDI began clearing contaminated minefields in Mabior-Anguei, north of the country. Numerous incidents relating to unexploded ordnance (UXO) had taken place here, claiming livestock and wounding community members.

Meet Tom, an orange Labrador originally from the United Kingdom who worked for TDI in Mali and then retired with his new family in Zimbabwe in 2018.  Tom struggled to adapt to the loud environment in which he was based in Mali so was retired as a working dog. It was not long before he was on his way to his new forever home.