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Angola remains one of the most heavily landmine-contaminated countries globally, with over 73 million square meters of land still polluted by these deadly devices.
The country is scarred by over 1,100 known or suspected minefields, which have already caused a devastating human toll.
As of 2014, more than 88,000 Angolans had been maimed or killed by landmines and unexploded ordnance, a haunting legacy of Angola’s struggle for independence and subsequent civil war.
The roots of this crisis date back to the war of independence against Portugal and the ensuing civil conflict that engulfed the country for decades.
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During these times, almost all parties involved resorted to extensive landmining to achieve their military objectives. Tragically, these mines remain a persistent threat, long after the fighting has ceased.
Despite decades of demining efforts, much of the contaminated land remains untouched due to various challenges.
Angola’s demining programs have been largely dependent on international donors, whose support has significantly declined.
Between 2005 and 2017, international funding for demining in Angola fell by more than 80%, exacerbating the situation.
The demining efforts have slowed down even further since 2022 as global attention shifted towards the conflict in Ukraine, diverting much-needed resources.
According to the Ottawa Convention, Angola is obligated to clear its land of landmines. Initially, the target was set for 2013, but repeated extensions have pushed the deadline to 2028.
Despite these commitments, landmines continue to claim lives. One particularly heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded in August 2024 when a group of children playing near Luanda stumbled upon a mine. Mistaking it for a toy, they triggered the explosive, killing three children and severely injuring a fourth.
Angola has engaged several international organizations to assist with demining, including HALO Trust, Mines Advisory Group (MAG), Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), and others.
These organizations have been active for over two decades, but their efforts have been hampered by shrinking funding and logistical challenges.
Critically, despite these efforts, landmine accidents continue to occur, leaving many in Angola questioning the effectiveness of the programs.
HALO Trust and other international organizations involved in Angola's demining efforts have come under scrutiny for what many consider to be a lack of sufficient progress. A 2023 report from Landmine Monitor indicates that Angola is unlikely to meet its 2025 deadline for clearing landmines, with further delays anticipated.
This has fueled skepticism among some Angolans, who question the true intentions of these foreign groups. Critics argue that the demining process may be deliberately prolonged to secure ongoing contracts and maintain their operations within the country.
The landmine crisis in Angola mirrors similar challenges faced by other nations, such as Cambodia, where millions of unexploded mines continue to threaten civilians, despite the conflict having ended decades ago. Like Angola, Cambodia has set a target for 2025 to finish demining, but concerns remain that this deadline may also be missed.
Meanwhile, the broader global conversation about arms control has been brought into sharp focus by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Western countries, which have traditionally supported demining efforts in countries like Angola and Cambodia, are now committing vast resources to Ukraine.
Since the war began in 2022, it’s estimated that over 2 million landmines have been placed in Ukraine, making it the largest active minefield in the world. This shift in focus has drawn criticism from some who argue that demining efforts in peaceful nations should take precedence over new conflicts.
Paul Heslop, an expert in demining, has highlighted the economic ripple effects of landmine contamination, arguing that the price of everyday goods, like fuel and bread, rises as landmines make agriculture and trade more difficult.
According to experts, if international efforts to control the spread of landmines remain inadequate, many more lives will be lost in both conflict and post-conflict regions.
The upcoming Fifth Review Conference of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, set to take place in Cambodia in November 2024, provides a crucial opportunity for global leaders to address the ongoing landmine crises.
However, unless there is a concerted effort to control the flow of arms and prioritize demining in countries like Angola and Cambodia, deadlines will continue to be pushed back, and more lives will be at risk.
Angola’s tragic legacy of landmines serves as a sobering reminder of the long-lasting consequences of war. It underscores the need for sustained international support and a global commitment to arms control if future tragedies are to be prevented.
#FeatureBySéraphinFouda