• Politics

Cambodia Sends its First-ever EOD Unit to Central African Republic

• By Torn Chanritheara
• February 21, 2023 5:35 PM

PHNOM PENH – Cambodia is sending its first-ever Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit to the Central African Republic (CAR) under the United Nation umbrella.

The EOD Unit 98 consists of 98 members, of which 10 are female. The unit is led by Colonel Kem Borany, the first female commander of the Cambodian unit deployed in a U.N. peacekeeping mission. The group is set to leave on Feb. 21 at night time.

Addressing the send-off ceremony, Defense Minister Tea Banh said Cambodia is constructively engaged with the U.N. to support international peace and stability and promote the respect of the U.N. Charter and international laws at a time when the world faces uncertainties, rising conflict, arms race, and threat to multipolar influences.

Cambodia, he stressed, is committed to increasing the number of women in the army to ensure sustainable engagement in peacekeeping forces, and to reach the ratio of 20 percent of women serving in every unit.

Banh, who is also deputy prime minister, called on members of the unit to remain on high alert as the CAR is experiencing political turmoil, rising attacks on government forces, and landmine deployment. The risk of being infected with malaria and the bad infrastructure in the country add up to the challenges.

“Your sacrifice is the saving of people and sharing the experience with other countries that are suffering. [It is] really admirable, and [a source of] motivation,” he said.

U.N. Country Coordinator Joseph Scheuer said the deployment shows Cambodia’s commitment to upholding the spirit of the U.N. Charter and joining the true community of united nations in the pursuit of peace and a better future for all mankind.

Scheuer said that deminer officers working under the U.N., including Cambodians, have not only saved countless lives but have turned dangerous areas filled with landmines and explosive remnants of war, such as cluster munitions, into areas that can now be used for schools, hospitals, and farms.

The unit is led by Colonel Kem Borany, the first female commander of the Cambodian unit deployed in a U.N. peacekeeping mission. Photo by Hong Sreyna

Touting the role of women in peacekeeping, the U.N. official said he believes there will be more women commanders in the future.

According to Sem Sovanny, director-general of the National Peacekeeping Center, Cambodia has deployed 8,859 blue helmet forces, including 681 women, under several U.N. missions in 11 countries since 2006.

A total of 788 Cambodian troops, of which 130 are women, are currently under various missions in CAR, South Sudan, Lebanon, and Mali. 

Kem Borany expressed her pride and honor in being a woman who became a commander to lead a unit.

“Women can work better than men in some of the most difficult areas that are not accessible to men. Women are very patient, adaptable, able to cool down the situation,” she said, calling on women to be brave and determined to overcome any challenges.