Luanda - Angolan ambassador to the United States Agostinho Van-Dúnem discussed the actions performed in the country by the non-governmental organization The Halo Trust and the challenges of this sector.
This was during an audience he granted on Monday (11) to the official for the Southern Africa of this organisation, Susanna Smale.
During the meeting with Susanna Smale, the Angolan diplomat was informed about the US NGO's ongoing projects in Angolan territory.
The meeting also served to request institutional support from the Angolan authorities, for the success of projects still underway in Angola.
Susanna Smale said Halo Trust, in partnership with the Angolan government, employs a total of 1,500 Angolan employees, financing demining in the provinces of Cuando Cubango, Bié, Huambo and Benguela.
The start of demining process in the province of Huíla is expected to begin in 2024, with the official considering Menongue city, province of Cuando Cubango, the one that represents the biggest challenge in terms of demining.
The Angolan diplomat was also informed that the NGO has worked in close collaboration with the National Demining Center (CND) and, therefore, has access to all information about incidents in demining activity and beyond.
Therefore, it has provided punctual assistance in the areas of jurisdiction, while external areas conducted investigations to determine the causes of the accident.
Susanna Smale reported that with the support of the Angolan government, around 50% of employees are women, who have joined the demining work teams.
On the occasion, the ambassador thanked the NGO for the activity carried out in Angola and expressed the Embassy's availability and support regarding contacts with national entities.
Halo Trust is a non-profit organisation specialising in clearing war debris, such as landmines and unexploded weapons, in post-conflict war zones.
In January 1997, Princess Diana was in Angola on behalf of the Halo Trust, in a worldwide campaign to ban and remove all anti-personnel mines.
Since 1995, Halo Trust has been developing its mechanical mine clearance capabilities.
The NGO operates all over the world.SC/TED/NIC
