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will never have true civilization until we have learned to
recognize the rights of others."
Will Rogers
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If you would like to
be a part of this epic
trans Africa crossing and
walk along please contact
us.
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In the Spring of 2011,
Julian
Monroe Fisher, set out upon his most ambitious
expedition to date.
Entitled EQUATORIA – A WALK
ACROSS AFRICA, the expedition had Fisher walking
west from the Indian Ocean coastal town of Pemba,
Mozambique, towards the coastal town Lobito,
Angola, at the Atlantic Ocean. The more than
4,000 mile journey took him across the landscape comprising
parts of the territories of the African countries of Mozambique,
Malawi,
Zambia,
the Democratic
Republic of the Congo and Angola.
On July 5, 2011 he announced the successful completion of
his EQUATORIA – A WALK ACROSS AFRICA
‘coast to coast’ Mozambique to Angola overland
crossing of the African continent.
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It was simply deemed to dangerous to walk across
the Angolan province of Moxico, one of the most heavily
land mined regions on the planet.
The ending was appropriate in that the stated goal
of EQUATORIA – A Walk Across Africa was not
just to walk coast to coast from Mozambique to Angola
but also aimed to bring global awareness to the work
of MAG
International and their efforts to clean up the
remnants of war in places like Angola. The simple
truth, remnants of conflict continue to pose huge
threat to civilians and their communities.
This reality became ever so poignant to Julian when
he arrived to the village of Lucusse, Moxico, Angola,
where a MAG Angola field team had in the previous
few days removed no less than eight land mines that
had been in the ground lying in wait to reap their
havoc since the mid 1980’s. Yes, some 31 years
waiting for a farmer or his kids to take the wrong
step.
In an interview with local media in the Moxico capital
of Luena, Julian said, “MAG and their field
teams are not just removing land mines and other remnants
of warfare long after the peace treaties have been
signed and all the warriors have all gone home. The
dedicated men and women that comprise MAG Mine Action
Teams in Angola and around the globe right now are
also clearing vast areas, in the case of Lucusse village,
more than 180,000 square meters, in order that the
villagers and their children can once again have a
safe place to live, grow and prosper. Indeed MAG saves
lives, builds futures!”
Based upon recommendations from the expeditions security
advisors, land mine specialists with Mines
Advisory Group - MAG International Angola
and the Angolan consulate in Zambia, Julian’s
EQUATORIA – A Walk Across Africa ended with
the MAG Angola field team in the village of Lucusse,
Moxico Province, Angola.
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Holding a
deactivated land mine in the field just outside the
village of Lucusse, Moxico Province, Angola. (Photo:
Chelsea Moore)
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Technical Field
Manager Abel Tesfai gives a first-hand look at what
MAG’s work is all about. (Photo: Chelsea Moore) |
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Fisher concluded his interview in Luena by saying,
“Africa is a complex mixture of beauty and ugliness
all wrapped up into one vast space. What MAG is doing
is trying to reduce that ugliness and allow the opportunity
for that natural beauty to shine! I applaud MAG Angola’s
work and I am ever grateful for the warm hospitality
they and the people of Angola have extended to me
along with the amazing experience MAG Angola has provided
me with.”
Following his visit with the MAG Angola field team,
Julian’s EQUATORIA – A Walk Across Africa
went on to reach the Atlantic Ocean, he was welcomed
by Antonio Lemos, Country Office Manager for Mag Angola,
upon his arrival to an isolated strip of beach just
outside the capital city of Luanda, Angola.
Having successfully travelled coast to coast walking
through towns and villages and national parks comprising
parts of the territories of Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia,
DR Congo and Angola, Fisher was asked what he and
his expedition discovered. With a smile he replied,
“I have learned a lot about the you and me in
this life. I can’t really speak for you, but
for me, well I know that if we do not start listening
to each other more and more, the future of our species
is questionable. We need to put politics and greed
and the focus on self aside; we need to put the future
of our children first.
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As the Kenyan proverb goes,
"Treat
the Earth well. It was not given to you by your parents. It
was loaned to you by your children."
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| EQUATORIA
– A WALK ACROSS AFRICA wants to bring global
awareness to the efforts of the
Mines Advisory Group - MAG International and their
work in current and former conflict zones to reduce the threat
of death and injury from remnants of conflict. Attention garnered
by this ambitious attempt to walk coast to coast across the
African continent shall also bring attention to those countries
that are signatories to the Ottawa
Treaty and those countries that have not signed
the treaty including the United States, Russia and China, all
permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. |
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