Africa-Press – Angola. The actions carried out in the country by the non-governmental organization The Halo Trust and the challenges of this sector dominated the audience granted on Monday (11) by the Angolan ambassador to the United States of America (USA), Agostinho Van-Dúnem, the person responsible for Southern Africa from this organization, Susanna Smale.
During the audience with Susanna Smale, the Angolan diplomat was informed about the North American 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.
According to Susanna Smale, 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.
In this context, the start of demining in the province of Huíla is expected to begin in 2024, with the official considering the city of Menongue, capital of the province of Cuando Cubango, as being the one that represents the biggest challenge in terms of demining. , still expressing their commitment to carrying out the task.
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, an occupation previously dominated by men, which has resulted in a positive impact on the domestic economy of families and ensuring their consistent support.
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 organization specializing 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.
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