Prince Harry in Angola highlights land mine clearance efforts inspired by Princess Diana

Edited by: Reda El Ghazal

Prince Harry has traveled to Angola this week to support efforts aimed at removing land mines, continuing the advocacy once championed by his late mother, Princess Diana. The Duke of Sussex began his visit with a meeting alongside the Angolan President João Lourenço, where discussions centered on ongoing demining operations led by the Halo Trust, an international organization focused on clearing mines left by conflict.

This initiative holds deep historical significance, as Princess Diana’s visit to Angola in 1997 brought international attention to the dangers posed by unexploded ordnance. Her involvement is widely credited with advancing global efforts to ban land mines, and Harry’s renewed commitment reflects a continuation of her legacy. He previously joined the Halo Trust in Angola in 2019 and has remained engaged in raising awareness for the organization’s mission.

Angola’s long civil war, lasting from 1975 to 2002, left a legacy of thousands of minefields that continue to threaten lives today. According to the Halo Trust, nearly 80,000 Angolans have been killed or injured by land mines over the decades, while more than a thousand hazardous areas still need clearance. Although Angola had set a goal to eliminate all land mines by 2025, the country remains confronted with significant challenges as it pursues a safer future for its citizens.