Cambodia Deploys Troops to Sudan for UN Demining Mission

Cambodia has made history by participating in its first international UN peacekeeping mission, with 109 soldiers embarking on a demining mission in Sudan. Prime Minister Hun Sen praised the deployment as a humanitarian endeavor and a symbol of Cambodia's growing regional and international influence. The troops, chosen from 1,080 military personnel, have undergone extensive training and will focus on clearing mines in Sudan, a country also grappling with the remnants of its own civil war.

Key Takeaways:

• Cambodia's participation in the UN demining mission in Sudan marks its first international peacekeeping mission in history.
• The 109-strong contingent, comprising 26 soldiers already stationed in Sudan, will focus on clearing mines in the war-torn country.
• The soldiers have received 13 months of training, covering common military skills, demining skills, psychological education, international laws, and cultural adaptation.
• Cambodia has an estimated 4-6 million landmines still buried in its soil, making it one of the largest mine-affected areas in the world.
• The deployment is seen as a symbol of Cambodia's growing regional and international influence.
• Prime Minister Hun Sen views the mission as a humanitarian endeavor, despite Cambodia's own status as a mine-affected country.

Statistics:

• 109 Cambodian soldiers will be deployed to Sudan for the UN demining mission.
• 26 soldiers are already stationed in Sudan with 25 vehicles, 70 mine detectors, and six trailers.
• The soldiers have undergone 13 months of training.
• Cambodia has an estimated 4-6 million landmines buried in its soil.
• The training program included instruction on common military skills, demining skills, psychological education, international laws, war rules and regulations, and cultural adaptation.

Sources:

• Xinhua via COMTEX, April 12, 2006.