APOPO concluded its 2024 operations in Angola with the safe destruction of 2,410 explosive items. This critical work was certified by Angola’s National Mine Action Agency (ANAM), ensuring the highest quality standards were met in making the cleared areas safe for public use. This milestone not only highlights progress toward a mine-free Angola but also demonstrates the collaborative efforts involved in identifying and addressing these dangerous remnants of war.
The success of this year’s operations was made possible by the generous support of the Belgian and Japanese Governments, whose commitment to Angola’s recovery has been instrumental in advancing APOPO’s mission.
Community and Collaboration in Explosive Removal
The explosive items destroyed during APOPO’s 2024 operations were not all discovered solely by APOPO’s demining teams. Often, our tasks are initiated by alerts from other entities, such as the municipal police, families, or individuals conducting activities like farming. When a landmine or explosive device is discovered, local authorities such as the police contact APOPO to safely remove and destroy the device.
In some cases, individuals with prior knowledge of landmines or explosives directly reach out to APOPO for assistance. This collaborative effort highlights the essential role communities play in the demining process, ensuring that dangerous items are reported and addressed swiftly.
Quality Certification: Assurance of Safety
Each demining task carried out by APOPO undergoes a rigorous quality control process conducted by ANAM. After the completion of demining activities in a given area, ANAM’s quality control technicians conduct thorough inspections to verify the accuracy and effectiveness of the work. They ensure no explosive items remain and assess whether the cleared area is entirely safe for public use.
Once the verification process is complete, ANAM issues a quality certification. This certification guarantees that the demining work meets stringent standards and that the area can be confidently returned to the community for activities such as agriculture, construction, or residential use. These certificates are vital for building trust and ensuring the safety of people returning to or utilizing previously contaminated land.
Addressing Angola’s Legacy of Landmine Contamination
APOPO’s work in Angola began in 2012, addressing the country’s urgent need for demining following decades of civil conflict. Landmines and unexploded ordnance left behind have posed a persistent threat to communities, holding back development and endangering lives. To address this challenge, APOPO combines traditional demining methods with innovative solutions, including its specially trained African giant pouched rats (aka HeroRATs). These animals, capable of detecting the scent of explosives, allow for more efficient identification and destruction of landmines and other explosive hazards.
Transforming Communities Through Demining
In 2024, APOPO’s teams completed clearance projects in key areas, including the municipalities of Amboim and Ebo in Cuanza Sul province. The destruction of explosive devices in these areas allowed residents to return to their homes and reclaim their land for farming and development.
The destruction of these explosive remnants does more than ensure safety. It makes way for social and economic recovery, giving communities the freedom to rebuild and thrive. Reclaimed land is used for agriculture, housing, and infrastructure development, providing the basis for long-term growth and stability.
Looking Ahead to a Mine-Free Angola
While the progress in 2024 represents a major step forward, much work remains to be done. Angola is still home to significant areas contaminated with landmines and unexploded ordnance. APOPO remains committed to expanding its operations and working with local and international partners to accelerate progress. With continued support, Angola can move closer to a future free from the devastating legacy of landmines.
Partnerships Driving Impact
APOPO’s accomplishments in 2024 were made possible through the support of the Belgian and Japanese Governments. Their partnership highlights the importance of international collaboration in addressing global challenges like landmine contamination. APOPO is deeply grateful for their contributions and looks forward to building on this progress in the years to come.
APOPO Angola remains most grateful to its donors and partners who are
instrumental to the success of our landmine clearance program.
