Angola

News on Crisis Prevention and Recovery

77 landmine detection device operators trained

Luanda, 11 February 2012 – At least 77 specialists from the Military Office to the Presidency of the Republic, the Engineering Regiment of the Angola Armed Forces (FAA) and Angola Border Police, completed Friday in Luanda a metal detection training.

The technicians were trained in the specialities of "Ebex 422 GC and Minelab" metal detector and Global Position System (GPS). The programme was attended by high and low ranking officers with the above mentioned institutions from the provinces of Cabinda, Zaire, Uíge, Luanda, Bengo, Malanje, Lunda Norte, Lunda Sul, Benguela, Huíla, Bié, Moxico and Kuando Kubango.

The course was lectured by experts of the National Institute of Demining (INAD) at the Technical Demining School since 24 January. Speaking at the closing ceremony, INAD director general, Leonardo Severino Sapalo, said the training aimed at providing more consistence and rigour in the performance of demining operations and reaching a success in a process going under the Executive Demining Commission.

He called on the newly trained specialists to be prudent and strict in handling and observing security measures and in the correct use of protection equipment. The ceremony was witnessed by the chief of the Demining Brigade of the Military Office of the Presidency, col. Manuel Sebastião.

The INAD benefits the technical assistance of the UNDP in the framework of Crisis Prevention and Recovery Programme.