SUA hails Magawa, the university’s famed rat, for landmine detecting

DODOMA: THE Vice-Chancellor of Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Professor Raphael Chibunda, has said Magawa, the university’s famed mine-detecting rat, was taken to Cambodia because the country was among areas facing the challenge of landmines.

Speaking on the possibility of bringing Magawa back to Tanzania for burial after his death, Professor Chibunda said it could have been done, but the process was unsuccessful due to challenges in obtaining the necessary permits for his transportation.

He also said those who had been caring for Magawa in Cambodia were not able to continue looking after him after his death.

However, Professor Chibunda said Magawa continues to be honoured in Cambodia, where a large monument has been erected in his memory, while SUA has named one of its campus roads after him.

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He said the research community in the area also commemorates the anniversary of Magawa’s death every year to remember and recognise his contribution.

Magawa, who was trained at SUA, died in 2022 at the age of eight.

In 2020, he was awarded a gold medal in recognition of his outstanding ability to detect landmines.

Magawa became widely recognised for helping identify landmines and unexploded ordnance, making it possible for affected communities to access previously dangerous areas more safely.