NEWS & POLITICS
Prince Harry visits Angola to retrace his mother's footsteps
Prince Harry has visited Huambo province in west-central Angola, retracing the footsteps of his late mother, Princess Diana, who walked through the same former minefield 28 years ago.
Noluthando Buthelezi
Donning body armor, the Duke of Sussex toured the now partially cleared area alongside the British landmine clearance charity, the HALO Trust—the same organization that accompanied Princess Diana during her landmark 1997 visit.
Diana’s visit drew global attention and played a pivotal role in the eventual signing of an international treaty banning landmines.
Retracing his mother’s footsteps, Prince Harry described the experience as deeply emotional in an interview with the BBC. As he walked down the once-dangerous suburban street, he remarked, “It’s emotional to see the transformation—from a hazardous, deserted area into a thriving community filled with local businesses and colleges.”
Image: www.sowetanlive.co.za
"Without question, if she hadn't campaigned the way that she did, this, arguably, could still be a minefield", he added.
According to data from the HALO Trust, Angola became one of the most heavily mined countries in the world following its civil war between 1975 and 2002, with an estimated 1,200 recorded minefields. During his speech, the Duke of Sussex praised the HALO Trust for its ongoing work to restore safety and peace to affected communities. He also used the moment to urge the international community to intensify efforts in clearing landmines worldwide.
Prince Harry, who is on a tour of southern Africa, also visited Botswana, where he helped to plant trees.
