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Golden West Humanitarian Foundation

Skanderbeg Square in Tirana, Albania. Source www.britannica.com

A TEN-PART SERIES

A Short History of Humanitarian Mine Action in Albania

A personal account of Albania’s journey from political isolation and explosive contamination to national mine action, EOD and safer ammunition management.

Told through the experiences of Arben “Beni” Braha, Albania’s first EOD technician and one of the founders of the country’s humanitarian mine action programme.

 
main square in Tirana Albania

ALBANIA’S MINE ACTION STORY

From Isolation and Instability to a Safer Future

Albania’s humanitarian mine action story is inseparable from the country’s wider history.

Following decades of political isolation, Albania entered a period of rapid change and instability. Poorly secured weapons and ammunition, dangerous military sites and the conflict in neighbouring Kosovo created serious risks for communities across the country.

This ten-part series follows that journey through the experiences of Arben “Beni” Braha. From his childhood under communist rule and his early years in the Albanian Army to the creation of Albania’s EOD and mine action capacity, Beni provides a first-hand account of the people, partnerships and events that shaped the country’s response to explosive hazards.

It is also a story about what happens after land has been cleared: rebuilding communities, strengthening national expertise and preventing future disasters through safer ammunition management.

Albania’s Journey​

Political Isolation

Decades of communist rule shaped Beni’s childhood, family and path into military service.

 

National Instability

Political change and unsecured military sites created new explosive risks across Albania.

 
 

Mine Action

The Kosovo crisis accelerated the development of Albania’s national mine action and EOD capacity.

 
 

UCO Clearance

Long-term programmes addressed unexploded ordnance remaining at former ranges and military sites.

 
 

Prevention

The focus expanded to safer ammunition storage, training and physical security and stockpile management.

 
 

About Arben “Beni” Braha

Arben “Beni” Braha is one of Albania’s most experienced leaders in humanitarian mine action, explosive ordnance disposal, and Weapons and Ammunition Management (WAM). A former Albanian Army officer and widely regarded as the country’s first EOD technician, Beni helped establish Albania’s national mine action capacity during the Kosovo crisis of 1999. He led teams responding to landmines, unexploded ordnance, and cluster munition contamination, supporting the safe return of communities to affected areas.

Following Albania’s mine-clearance achievements, Beni helped advance long-term UXO hotspot clearance and safer ammunition management nationwide. His work has included partnership with international organizations, donor governments, and technical specialists to strengthen training, infrastructure, standards, and sustainable national capability. Having witnessed the consequences of unsafe munitions storage firsthand, including the Gërdec explosion, he remains committed to practical measures that protect communities and service personnel. At Golden West Humanitarian Foundation, Beni supports efforts to strengthen Albania’s WAM systems and build a safer, more sustainable national legacy.

 
 

READ THE COMPLETE SERIES

Ten Chapters of Albania’s Mine Action History

Follow the series in order, from Beni’s early life under communist rule to the development of Albania’s mine action, UXO clearance and ammunition safety programmes.

 

MORE THAN CLEARANCE

Mine Action Is About Returning Life to Communities

Humanitarian mine action is not only about removing landmines and unexploded ordnance.

It is about allowing families to return home, helping communities use their land safely and giving national institutions the knowledge and systems needed to prevent future tragedies.

Albania’s experience shows how clearance, international cooperation, local leadership and long-term investment in national capability can create a safer and more sustainable future.

 

CONTINUING THE WORK

Golden West Humanitarian Foundation in Albania

Golden West works with national and international partners to strengthen Weapons and Ammunitions Management in Albania.

This work goes beyond improving storage facilities. It includes training personnel, developing sustainable national expertise, introducing international standards and helping identify risks before they become emergencies.

Through practical cooperation and long-term capacity building, Golden West supports safer working conditions for service personnel and greater protection for communities living near military facilities.

 
 
Golden West Humanitarian Foundation WAM Weapons and Ammunition Management

Let’s Build National Capacity
and Safer Communities Together

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