Angola has adjusted its national demining strategy following the phased withdrawal of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) support.
This marks a major shift in Angola’s effort to eliminate landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO). The change follows the conclusion of USAID’s BEST (Biological Erosion and Stability Threat) programme in late 2023. Since 2020, this initiative provided Angola’s demining operations with technical and financial assistance. Angola remains committed to addressing residual contamination while navigating new logistical and financial challenges to become “landmine-free” by 2025.
The Persistent Challenge of Landmines
Landmines, a legacy of Angola’s 27-year civil war (1975–2002), still affect rural areas in the central and eastern provinces. The National Demining Institute (INAD) reports that 1,200 suspected hazardous areas (SHAs) remain, covering 122 km² as of December 2023. While 99% of known mined areas have been cleared since 2002, contamination continues to threaten 1.5 million Angolans, slowing agriculture, infrastructure development, and safe resettlement.
Funding Shortfalls and Strategic Adjustments
With USAID’s $48 million (£38 million) demining programme ending, Angola is restructuring its demining efforts. INAD now prioritises:
Satellite mapping and drone surveillance to improve hazardous zone identification.
Mechanised demining equipment to reduce reliance on manual teams, which make up 70% of the workforce.
Angola is also intensifying diplomatic efforts to secure funding, engaging with the European Union (EU), Japan, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). However, the Council of Ministers’ revised demining plan (April 2024) requires $240 million (£190 million) to complete operations by 2025. A $120 million (£95 million) shortfall persists, worsened by fluctuating donor contributions.
The Global Shift in Humanitarian Funding
Experts link USAID’s withdrawal to global aid shifts, especially the reallocation of funds to conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. A 2023 Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report notes a 12% drop in global demining funds since 2020, with sub-Saharan Africa among the most affected.
Despite these challenges, President João Lourenço remains firm. In March 2024, he reaffirmed that demining is “non-negotiable for national development.” However, concerns persist over logistical delays and bureaucratic inefficiencies.
Socio-Economic Consequences of Delayed Demining
The impact of slow demining is severe:
- Agriculture, which employs 65% of Angola’s workforce, contributes only 10% to GDP due to 450,000 hectares of inaccessible farmland.
- The World Bank estimates that full demining could boost agricultural output by $3.2 billion (£2.5 billion) annually, supporting rural growth and food security.
- Infrastructure projects, including the Lobito Corridor, face delays as UXO contamination blocks key transport routes.
International and Regional Response
The EU pledged €15 million (£12.8 million) in March 2024 for demining in Huambo Province, but this falls short of Angola’s needs. China and Turkey have increased their involvement, yet their focus remains on commercial infrastructure rather than humanitarian clearance.
Angola’s demining challenges reflect broader regional issues. Around 10 million landmines remain in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Although Southern African Development Community (SADC) efforts advocate for joint demining initiatives, progress remains slow.
Community-Led Initiatives and Future Outlook
Local organisations play a key role in addressing funding and operational gaps. The Association of Demining Victims (ADV), working with INAD, has launched mine-risk education programmes and community awareness campaigns. Since 2020, these efforts have helped reduce civilian casualties by 40%, according to Landmine Monitor.
The UN-sponsored Oslo Conference on Mine Action (November 2024) offers Angola a platform to secure renewed support. Success will depend on transparent governance, technological innovation, and strong international partnerships—three essential factors in Angola’s push to eliminate its landmine legacy.
Fonte: Further Africa
