The article discusses the ongoing threat of landmines in Colombia and Angola, highlighting the historical conflicts that led to widespread contamination. It outlines the humanitarian and economic challenges posed by these landmines, the slow de-mining efforts hindered by funding shortages, and the need for sustained international support to achieve landmine-free landscapes in both nations.
The enduring legacy of landmines poses a significant threat to the citizens of Colombia and Angola, reflecting the deep scars of armed conflict in these nations. In Colombia, particularly in Bogotá, the specter of landmine explosions haunts the daily lives of many, despite the capital’s distance from the historical combat zones. This persistent danger stems from over sixty years of internal conflict, particularly marked by the actions of guerrilla groups such as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The rural landscapes of Colombia have been severely impacted with thousands of landmines scattered across villages, agricultural lands, and forests, often laid carelessly, lacking precise documentation. The attempts to clear these mines have made progress, yet the toll of such conflicts remains apparent in the form of injuries and fatalities among the populace. In the face of international agreements like the Ottawa Treaty, which sought to prohibit anti-personnel landmines, Colombia, along with Angola, continues to grapple with landmine contamination. Angola is recognized as one of the most heavily mined regions globally, with an estimated 73 million square meters of land afflicted, resulting from its struggle for independence and subsequent civil conflicts. The challenges faced in de-mining operations in both countries are compounded by insufficient funding and the extensive nature of the contamination. The repercussions of landmines extend beyond human casualties; they pose a formidable barrier to economic development. In Angola, the remnants of warfare inhibit agricultural productivity and threaten livelihoods, while similarly, in Colombia, landmines have disrupted rural advancement, obstructing families’ safe return to their homes and land. Both nations are acutely aware that the de-mining process is arduous and costly, heavily reliant on continuous support and funding from the international community. Sadly, international assistance for demining in Angola saw a decline of over 80% between 2005 and 2017, exacerbating funding challenges coinciding with the drop in prices for essential exports. Although the Angolan government initially aimed to achieve a mine-free status by December 2013 in accordance with the Ottawa Treaty, this target has now been extended to 2028, reflecting the vast scope of the issue. This predicament parallels Colombia’s ongoing endeavors to eliminate landmine threats, underscoring the critical need for sustained global engagement. The failure of arms control to avert such tragedies accentuates the pressing requirement for more stringent regulations and enhanced international collaboration. Should the global community falter in reinforcing oversight in arms trading, the grievous impacts of these weapons will persist, adversely affecting future generations.
Landmines serve as a tragic remnant of historical armed conflicts, particularly in Colombia and Angola, where decades of violence have left behind numerous unexploded devices. In Colombia, internal strife involving various guerrilla factions has resulted in widespread mine contamination, especially in rural areas. Similarly, Angola’s painful legacy of landmines arose from its intense struggle for liberation and the subsequent civil war. Both countries remain in the grip of this legacy, confronting humanitarian crises and significant barriers to socio-economic development due to the presence of these explosives.
In summary, the legacy of landmines in Colombia and Angola remains a profound humanitarian concern that requires urgent attention and action from both national governments and the international community. As both nations continue their efforts toward demining, the persistent dangers not only threaten lives but also hamper economic recovery and development. It is essential for the global community to renew its support and funding to assist these countries in their quest to eradicate the dangers posed by landmines and to pave the way for a safer future. Furthermore, the global community must ensure that arms control is adequately enforced to prevent future tragedies resulting from landmines and other weapons.
Original Source: punchng.com
