'Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) continue to cause deaths and injuries, endanger communities, and undermine both development and recovery across conflict and crime-affected contexts. Attacks on civilian infrastructure, such as bridges, roads, and communication towers, isolate communities, prevent humanitarian actors from reaching those in need, and weaken the relationship between citizens and their security providers. IED use therefore not only constitutes a security issue but also disrupts humanitarian action, constrains development, and destabilizes peace efforts.

'For years, the response to IEDs was predominantly a military one, focusing on efforts to 'defeat the device', 'attack the networks', and 'prepare the force'. While these steps are important, they are not sufficient. Without tackling the deeper causes of the issue - such as weak governance, marginalization, and lack of trust in state institutions - the devastating ramifications of IEDs will persist.'

Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) have become a key tool in asymmetric warfare, employed in the pursuit of many objectives, including destabilization of the state and governing authorities, exertion of control and influence, and creation of fear in a population. More than 80 per cent of civilian IED casualties occur in civilian spaces, and civilians are deliberately targeted, including vulnerable groups such as children.

The use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in West Africa expanded dramatically over the last decade. IED-building networks have established material and training links across conflict areas in West and Central Africa, and their designs have remained constant and inexpensive throughout the region—helping to increase their use in attacks against domestic and international security forces, UN peacekeepers, and civilians.