In brief
The relocation of Mennonite families to Angola's diamond-rich areas has drawn mixed reactions, with locals worried about losing their land and livelihood as the newcomers establish their settlement.
Eight families of Old Colony Mennonites have recently migrated from Mexico to Angola's northeastern region, striking a deal with a diamond mining company to develop nearly 2,000 acres. Their arrival, intended to cultivate a new community, has sparked fears among Angolan locals that they may be displaced in favor of these newcomers. Charlotte Itala, a local villager, expressed her concerns about losing access to hunting grounds, stating, "If they take our land, we won’t be able to grow our cassava—what are we going to eat?" The Mennonites, numbering around 60, have been staying in makeshift homes, with some locals noting their industriousness while others voice anxiety over potential economic displacement. Community discussions continue as both groups navigate the challenges posed by this cultural intersection in the region.
