Huambo: The National Demining Center (CND) has successfully cleared at least 22.7 million square meters of land of mines in Huambo province in 2025. This marks an increase of 18,417,638 devices compared to the previous year, as announced by Castro Kapanda, the head of the CND department.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the increase in cleared mine areas is attributed to the intensified work on power transmission lines. Significant clearing tasks were conducted along the lines from the Dango substation in Huambo to the Lomaum electrical substation in Benguela, spanning a distance of 159 kilometers, as well as near the Gove dam. These efforts extended through the municipalities of Chipindo, Cuvango, and Jamba in Hula province.
In 2025, the CND reported the destruction of six anti-personnel mines, three anti-tank mines, 747 unexploded explosive devices, 2,041 munitions, and 29,771 pieces of metal. Kapanda also highlighted the occurrence of four mine-related accidents, resulting in one fatality and six injuries, while others escaped unhurt. A mine risk education campaign reached 6,845 people, aiming to reduce the risk of accidents in the community.
Kapanda noted that the center has identified 11 suspected mine areas located in the municipalities of Bailundo, Bimbe, Chicala-Cholohanga, and Mungo. These areas are awaiting validation from the National Mine Action Agency to commence demining efforts.
The province of Huambo, covering an area of 35,771 square kilometers and home to 2,691,902 residents across 17 municipalities, was once heavily affected by mines due to past armed conflicts.