Prince Harry Follows in Diana’s Footsteps with Landmine Walk in Angola

• Prince Harry walks in an active minefield in Angola.
• He honors Princess Diana’s legacy during his visit.
• HALO Trust works to clear landmines in Angola.
• Over 60,000 people have been killed or injured since 2008.
• Prince Harry thanks the Angolan government for its commitment.

Embracing Diana’s Legacy for Landmine Awareness

Prince Harry recently embraced the legacy of his late mother, Princess Diana, in a poignant display of commitment to landmine removal efforts in Angola. Donning a flak jacket, he embarked on a walk through an active minefield near the village of Cuito Cuanavale, which sits adjacent to the largest minefield in the world. This initiative is part of the ongoing outreach efforts by the HALO Trust, a charity dedicated to the removal of unexploded ordnance from post-conflict regions. It’s a stark reminder that the consequences of war linger long after the fighting has ceased, and Prince Harry’s actions are aimed at shining a light on this critical humanitarian crisis.

Continuing the Fight Against Landmines

In the village where Prince Harry met with families, many live in a state of fear due to the threat posed by landmines left over from Angola’s devastating civil war, which raged from 1975 to 2002. “Children should never have to live in fear of playing outside or walking to school,” he remarked, highlighting the enduring dangers that continue to haunt communities three decades later. The Duke of Sussex expressed gratitude towards the Angolan government, commending their robust commitment to clearing these deadly remnants. He stated, “The Angolan government’s continued commitment is a powerful testament to HALO’s success in saving lives and reducing humanitarian risk,” thus advocating for further support in their mission to achieve a landmine-free nation.

The Ongoing Challenge of Landmine Clearance

Princess Diana’s efforts in this area are historic; during her visit to Angola in January 1997, she garnered global attention with her fearless, candid walk through a minefield. This act became a critical turning point in rallying international backing for a landmine ban treaty, which was ratified later that year. The HALO Trust estimates that since 2008, at least 60,000 individuals have suffered injuries or fatalities due to landmines, underscoring the urgent need for ongoing work in Angola. Since its inception in 1994, HALO has located and dismantled over 120,000 land mines along with 100,000 other explosive devices, yet, as Prince Harry noted, thousands of minefields remain to be cleared, indicating that much work still lies ahead.

Prince Harry’s visit to Angola is not just a personal journey to honor his mother but a significant step in raising awareness about the severe threat posed by landmines. His partnership with HALO Trust emphasizes the organization’s vital work and the necessity for continued support from both local leadership and international donors. With remnants of war still posing a daily risk to innocent lives, the push for a landmine-free Angola remains crucial and urgent.