Magawa, Messenger of Peace

When you stroll the river gardens a few steps north of the Old Market, you can't miss it - a 2.2 meter high statue in finely sculpted and polished yellow sandstone brought from Banteay Meanchey Province, atop a round socle stylizing the ominous anti-personnel mine, made of steel with some actual mine casings melted into it.

In total, the image of Magawa weighs around 1 ton, not including 5 metric tons of concrete poured into the steel base. Unveiled on 3 April 2026 by Senior Minister Ly Tuch, vice-president of the Cambodian Mine Action Authority, the statue is an initiative by Apopo Foundation, which also runs the Apopo Museum in Siem Reap. It results from teamwork at Satcha - សច្ច Handicraft Incubation Center after a design by Kouy SokunTheary and Chhang Chhun.

Born in Tanzania in 2014, Magawa was trained during 4 years before starting a remarkably successful activity due to its aptitude and velocity. He helped in defusing some 80 antipersonnel mines, sparing lives or severe injuries for Cambodian farmers. In 2020, two years before he passed on peacefully, the 'HeroRat' was awarded the PDSA Gold Medal - the statue wears a giant reproduction of the award. Before Magawa, this distinction from People's Dispensary for Sick Animals had recognized only rescue and detection dogs.

Above: Magawa stands on the river promenade in front of the popular Sister Srey Cafe [photos by Templation Team]; top view of the statue design [courtesy of Satcha Handicraft Center].

Laid during the 1970s, 1980s and the beginning of 1990s, landmines have caused over 65,000 recorded casualties, resulting in 18,800 deaths and nearly 45,000 injuries, including more than 9,000 amputees.

In addition to landmine detection, rats trained at APOPO are also able to detect tuberculosis (TB) in clinic samples and to trace trafficked wildlife. If you want to adopt a HeroRat or support activities, read here.

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