Angola is the most heavily mined country in sub-Saharan Africa, and one of the most mined in the world, according to the United Nations Mine Action Service. During the 27 year war, government and rebel forces and foreign armies laid mines across the country. Major roads, bridges, railways and farmland were mined in all 18 provinces. It is not yet known how many landmines there are but estimates vary from 500,000 to six million. A Landmine Impact Survey was suspended in 2005 because of a lack of funds. Initial results showed that 35 percent of the land is mined. According to the national mine action database, more than 3,000 people were killed or injured by mines or unexploded ordnance between 1998 and 2003. In 2004 at least 73 were killed and 114 injured by landmines and unexploded ordnance. The presence of landmines means: Most at risk from mines are tens of thousands of refugees returning from camps in Angola's neighbouring countries, who need food and land and are unaware of the risks of farming untilled ground. The Mines Advisory Group (MAG), a British NGO which is working in Angola, says it could take between 10 and 20 years to completely demine Angola. Mine clearance is co-ordinated by Angola's National Inter-Sectoral Commission for Demining and Humanitarian Assistance (CNIDAH), and the work carried out by government forces and international agencies. Useful links: |
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