Angola's landmine legacy: $240 million needed for safe return
Almost a thousand minefields remain in Angola following the civil war, which ended in 2002. The country needs 240 million dollars to clear them, as calculated by Brigadier General Leonardo Sapalo.
The civil war in Angola lasted nearly 27 years, and although it ended over two decades ago, civilians are still dying from landmines scattered throughout the country.
According to data from the National Demining Program of Angola, about 88,000 people have fallen victim to mines. Furthermore, thousands of people displaced from their homes during the war still cannot return due to the mines.
The mines also hinder the construction of a railway line in the so-called Lobito Corridor, a key investment for Angola and neighboring countries such as Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Zambia.
Sapalo said on Wednesday during a meeting with representatives of the British organization HALO Trust, which is helping to clear Angola of wartime remnants, that the railway line itself has been completely cleared of mines, allowing work to continue and trains to be sent on their routes. However, some areas right next to the tracks still require demining.
Progress in demining
General Sapalo reported that so far along the Lobito Corridor 43,142 anti-personnel mines, 2,460 anti-tank mines, and 235,050 unexploded ordnances have been removed. The cost of clearing one square yard is approximately 3.10 dollars.
During a meeting with representatives of the British organization HALO Trust, General Sapalo emphasized that further work is essential for the safety and development of the country.
