Mine Detection Dog Partnership Program

As a result of a 30-year civil war, Angola is one of the most mine-contaminated countries in the world. Although progress has been made in clearing land for its productive use, the scourge of mines throughout the country inhibits people from living safely, without fear of stepping on a mine or explosive.

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Mine action in Angola is managed by the National Inter-Sectoral Commission on Demining and Humanitarian Assistance (CNIDAH) and the National Demining Institute (INAD) is responsible for conducting demining operations. In 2009, CNIDAH requested that MLI build a mine detection dog (MDD) capacity within INAD. After conducting a feasibility assessment visit to Angola in May 2010 and upon signature of a technical services agreement, MLI sent two experienced MDD teams to Angola in October 2011 as a “proof of principle” exercise. Within one month the INAD Director asked that MLI send six young, newly trained MDDs and two trainers to Angola to begin training Angolan handlers. These MDD teams successfully completed training and were certified in May 2012. The MDD teams commenced working with INAD and have searched more than 71,000 square meters of mined land in Bengo and Moxico Provinces.