Witness History Clearing landmines in Cambodia
Apr 17, 2025
Aki Ra, a former child soldier for the Khmer Rouge, shares his harrowing journey from laying landmines to becoming a deminer in Cambodia. He discusses the tragic aftermath of a conflict that left millions affected by unexploded devices. Aki reveals his personal reckoning after encountering villagers harmed by the very mines he once planted, leading to a transformative commitment to repairing the damage. This compelling conversation highlights the enduring impact of war and the power of redemption in healing a nation.
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Khmer Rouge Arrival and Evacuation
- When Khmer Rouge arrived in Phnom Penh, people initially appeared out of fear and curiosity, showing no immediate violence.
- Soon after, over two million people were forced out of the city under gunpoint to create a rural communist society.
Child Soldier's Training and Trauma
- Aki Ra was conscripted as a child soldier at 10 and trained to survive, fight, and lay landmines.
- He recalls how friends died from landmines, revealing the brutal and dangerous life of childhood warfare.
Dark Memories of War Childhood
- Aki Ra shares a harrowing memory cooking rice near human bones, initially mistaking bones for firewood.
- He describes how children soldiered through trauma by laughing and playing, not showing sadness or fear.