Memories of Angola

28-04-2009 Photo Collection

Memories of Angola

Seven years after the end of the conflict that devastated Angola, the ICRC is scaling back its activities there. In July 2009 it will close its delegation in Luanda, but will continue to monitor the situation in Angola from its delegation in neighbouring South Africa. ICRC staff who worked in war-torn Angola as far back as 1975 share their memories.

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Bomba Alta, Huambo, 1980. ICRC-supported limb-fitting and rehabilitation centre

"I remember the radiant smile of a little girl who was out testing her new prostheses at the Bomba Alta limb-fitting centre. It was a matter of honour for her to show her mother and the technician that she could manage them, no matter how difficult it was for her to walk. She must have been 11 or so. She had certainly known war and she had her whole life in front of her. Her life, but not her legs."

Catherine Gendre, delegate 1993, deputy head of delegation 2001-02

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