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• Latest news and case studies from Angola
The problem
After more than 27 years of civil war (1975-2002), Angola is one of the most mine-affected countries in the world and, although the Government of Angola is a signatory of the Ottawa Convention to ban anti-personnel landmines, it is highly unlikely to meet its obligation to remove all landmines by 2013 without external assistance.
According to the Landmine Impact Survey of 2007, the most mine-impacted province in the country is Moxico. Between 2004 and 2008, there were 531 accidents – 144 fatalities and 385 injuries – in Angola, the majority of which were recorded in Moxico1.
Landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) are not only a danger to people’s lives, but they also hinder rehabilitation and recovery in Angola. The country is ranked in the low human development category and more than 70 per cent of the population live on less than US$2 a day2.
A large proportion of the rural population depends on agriculture, but mines and ERW continue to prevent farmers from accessing land – this impacts on livelihoods, food security, and rural development.
Roads were also laid extensively with mines in Moxico province, restricting freedom of movement, access to services and access to markets. As the population continues to return, communities are expanding into mined areas and new Suspected Hazardous Areas are being discovered by returnees.
1 “Voices from the Ground: Landmines and Explosive Remnants of War Survivors Speak Out”, 2009, Kathleen Maes
2
UNDP Human Development Reports
How MAG is helping
• Improving access to land for resettlement of returnees for housing and agriculture.
• Improving access to services, such as health and education.
• Removing blockages to water.
• Facilitating the construction of a new bridge and the rehabilitation of roads in the most isolated municipality in Moxico.
• Improving basic human security through the removal of landmines and ERW.
• Reducing the risk of death and injury in communities through the delivery of Mine Risk Education.
• Releasing land to communities, helping them to escape poverty.
• Firearm marking and tracing.
MAG works with the National Demining Comission in Angola (CNIDAH), to select tasks which are impact focused and in line with the development priorities of the provincial government.
When requested, MAG supports the work of non-governmental organisations, humanitarian actors, and construction companies to survey development and public project areas, and carry out Explosive Ordnace Disposal and clearance work as needed.
MAG also cooperates with the other mine actors in the province, attending quarterly meetings and working together on large development projects. MAG recently completed a task in conjunction with Danish Church Aid, the National Institute of Demining and the Angolan Armed Forces, to clear land for the Ministry of Urbanisation and Rehabilitation to construct 2,000 houses under its provincial development plans.
Beneficiaries
By removing the threats to life and limb, MAG provides an environment where development can take place, relieving suffering and providing conflict recovery for those most in need.
Find out more
AlertNet country profile: Angola
BBC country profile: Angola
Landmine & Cluster Munition Monitor 2011: Angola
National Demining Comission in Angola (CNIDAH) website
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Luena, marked, is the site of MAG's operations base in Moxico [view larger map] |
Our thanks to the donors to MAG's Angola programme: Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs; European Commission; Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement, US Department of State.
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