PRINCE Harry, the Duke of Sussex, joined the HALO Trust, the world’s largest landmine clearance charity, to celebrate significant progress in removing landmines from Angola. Speaking at an event during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, he also supported calls to complete the country’s demining efforts.
HALO’s work in Angola includes employing a record number of female deminers, clearing a former transcontinental railway line, and plans to develop sustainable eco-tourism. The charity has been active in Angola for 30 years and has cleared over 1,000 minefields, returning land to communities for agriculture and infrastructure development.
Prince Harry highlighted the legacy of his late mother, Princess Diana, who in 1997 famously walked through a cleared minefield in Angola during the country’s civil war. Her visit brought global attention to the deadly impact of landmines, helping to galvanise support for the Anti-Personnel Landmine Ban Treaty, signed in Ottawa later that year.
Speaking in New York, the Duke said: ‘The HALO Trust’s work in Angola meant a great deal to my mother. Carrying on her legacy is a responsibility I take seriously. We all know how much she would want us to finish this job.’
He praised Angola’s leadership under President João Lourenço, saying, ‘Angola has set the gold standard for commitment and accomplishment in demining their country. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about lives and progress.’
A continued push for demining progress
Téte António, Angola’s Minister of External Relations, also emphasised the broader impact of landmine removal, noting how landmines restrict access to agricultural land and deter ecotourism. He added, ‘Thanks to demining, we can start exploiting opportunities that will benefit future generations, and our forests and fauna can finally thrive without the scourge of mines.’
HALO Trust CEO James Cowan highlighted the progress made but acknowledged that more work remains. ‘Although landmines still threaten Angola’s citizens, the country’s dramatic progress in landmine clearance should inspire the world. With Angola’s government and our partners, we can get the job done and build a prosperous future for Angola.’
The event was a powerful reminder of the ongoing efforts to make Angola mine-free, 30 years after HALO began its operations in the country.
