- Prince Harry’s visit to Angola raises land mine awareness.
- His trip echoes Princess Diana’s impactful 1997 journey.
- Harry and Halo Trust CEO met with Angola’s President Lourenço.
- Angola still has over 1,000 minefields to clear by 2025.
- An estimated 80,000 Angolans have been affected by land mines.
Prince Harry’s Angola Trip Mirrors Diana’s Historic Visit
Prince Harry made a significant visit to Angola on Tuesday, focusing on the crucial work of land mine clearing to highlight this ongoing struggle. This trip notably mirrors the iconic journey his mother, Princess Diana, undertook in January 1997, helping to shine a light on the human cost of war in this troubled nation. Diana’s visit was characterized by her fearless walk through an active minefield, a striking image that became synonymous with her advocacy for land mine victims and the push for a global treaty to ban these deadly devices.
Harry Engages with Halo Trust and Local Leadership
On his recent trip, Prince Harry joined efforts with the Halo Trust, a charity dedicated to demining in regions plagued by landmines. Notably, this isn’t the first occasion Harry has carried on his mother’s legacy; he was previously in Angola in 2019 to support similar projects. During his visit this week, which did not include his wife Meghan, he and Halo Trust CEO James Cowan met with Angola’s President Lourenço, discussing ongoing demining endeavors and expressing gratitude for the government’s support in these efforts.
Land Mine Statistics and Angola’s Future Goals
Angola has a tragic history marred by a 27-year civil war that lasted until 2002, resulting in an estimated 80,000 casualties due to land mines. While the exact figure of those affected remains elusive, the Halo Trust reports that over 1,000 minefields still cover approximately 67 square kilometers that need clearing. The Angolan government has set an ambitious goal of becoming land mine-free by 2025, and with ongoing support from advocates like Prince Harry, hopes to achieve this humanitarian milestone.
Prince Harry’s visit to Angola underscores the ongoing need for demining efforts in a country still healing from the scars of war. Echoing his mother’s historic mission, Harry actively engaged with local leaders to promote awareness and support for land mine eradication. With the goal of being land mine-free by 2025, Angola is under pressure to complete this essential work as it looks towards a safer future for all its citizens.
