Cleaning up the remnants of war so life can get back to normal for all.
On April 4th Angola celebrated 11 years of peace. April 4th is also International Day for Mine Awareness. Long after the war is over, some weapons wait underground for years, a lurking threat. As one of the world’s most heavily land-mined countries, Angola still has over a decade of de-mining ahead of it. The Angola Field Group invites you to “Surviving the Peace, Angola”, a short film about an Angolan girl who played with a landmine; the film gives a close-up look at de-mining in Moxico province, at the Viking Club, Thursday April 11, at 8:00 PM.
Wearing a helmet and visor and heavy vest and working one knee on the ground, makes de-mining especially challenging in hot climates like Angola.
Our presenter, Tony Fernandes, is Technical Operations Manager/ Senior Manager in Country for MAG Angola, the NGO de-mining in Moxico province which is one of two most contaminated provinces in the country. Previously he managed de-mining work in Iran, DRC, South Sudan and Vietnam. Besides humanitarian mine action, Tony has extensive experience working in anti-terrorism and as a bomb squad operator and explosives inspector.
The presentation will also include a short informative talk on de-mining in Angola in addition to the film, and an opportunity to ask questions of our presenter, Tony Fernandes. Also MAG T-shirts will be on sale.
A lethal threat in his own backyard. A resident shows MAG de-mining team a landmine.
In close cooperation with the Viking Club, this event is offered free of charge. Beverages and snacks are sold at the bar, coupons must be purchased. The Viking Bar opens at 7:30 PM. The Viking Club is on the main floor of the Edificio Maianga, Rua Marien N”Guabi, No 118 across from Panela da Barro, on the same side of the street as the Suite Hotel. For a map, click here. For sale on Thursday, hand woven baskets from Moxico and various Angolan books. Also, giant used book sale of various English titles, fiction and non-fiction, a great selection!
Moxico resident stares at yellow stick marking a landmine, a treacherous war souvenir in front of his house.
MAG, Mines Advisory Group, is a British-based Non Governmental Organization based in Manchester, UK, founded in 1989 and has had de-mining operations in over 35 countries.
An important component of mine action is teaching mine awareness.
MAG team de-mining next to veranda of a local school in Moxico. All photos courtesy MAG.
