Ahmad Rahman: Shot Afghan boy who danced in video with new prosthetic leg re-lives ordeal
The International Committee of the Red Cross hopes Ahmad's story will raise awareness about the plight of Afghan children.
Friday 10 May 2019 21:30, UK
A six-year-old Afghan boy who appeared in footage showing him dancing with his new prosthetic leg has spoken of the moment he was shot and called for peace in his war-ravaged country.
Ahmad Rahman was seen joyfully dancing with his new limb in the video that went viral after it was released by an aid organisation which hopes it will raise awareness about the plight of children in the nation which has suffered from decades of conflict.
The child was just eight months old when he was hit by a bullet in his leg during fighting between government forces and the Taliban in his village in Logar province, southeastern Afghanistan.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said Ahmad had to have his leg amputated as his injuries were so serious.
Speaking in a new video released by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Ahmad said: "OK, let me tell you. My mother told me a bullet struck my leg that day and also here.
"I didn't say anything but my mum and my cousin were all 'help, help!"
"She was crying and saying 'help!' and 'look, my daughter and my son have been wounded'.
"Then we heard a vehicle rushing towards us. They asked my mum 'what happened, sister?'
"My mother said, 'there was war in Logar [Province], my kids were shot'."
Later in the video, Ahmad said: "I want calm in my country. I can't go out into the streets."
His mother, Rayeesa, said in the video: "I'm happy, thanks to the people who are running this hospital.
"I wish them success. I hope our country has no wars any more. I wish an end to the wars. I wish for calm in Afghanistan."
ICRC doctor, Karima Rahimi, said Ahmad is able to be independent thanks to his new legs.
He has had a new artificial limb as the prosthetics need to be adjusted for his growing body.
She said: "This is his fourth leg that we have given him.
"He is independent in walking and doesn't need other people's help. He's happy with the treatment that we've provided."
Ahmad received his new prosthetic limb at the ICRC's orthopaedic clinic in the Afghan capital Kabul last Saturday.