Cambodia: Opposition crackdown continues, PM refuses negotiations

Event

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen reiterated on Tuesday, March 27, that he would not enter into negotiations with opposition leaders such as Sam Rainsy, former leader of the now-dissolved and banned Cambodia National Rescue Party. General elections are still set to be held on July 29, with Sen facing no real opponent following the November 2017 forced dissolution of the main opposition party.

Rainsy continues to attempt to extend an olive branch to PM Sen, who has called him a “traitor.” Rainsy is urging Sen to not take the opposition’s demands personally, hoping for a compromise opening the way for a democratic change.

However, sociopolitical tensions will likely remain high into the foreseeable future; sporadic outbreaks of violence in the event of demonstrations are likely.

Context

Inter-party tensions have plagued Cambodia in recent years, exacerbating political instability. Sen has been accused of seeking to extend his three-decade rule - despite the growing popularity of the political opposition - via a political crackdown aimed at silencing critics, the media, and civil society actors. In early September 2017, the US Embassy in Phnom Penh began to advise foreigners in the country to exercise caution amid rising political tensions and a growing anti-Western sentiment.

New institutional changes such as the adoption of a lèse-majesté law in mid-February 2018 - which criminalizes criticism of the monarchy - and the repression of the opposition raise fears that the government could transform away from a democracy towards an authoritarian monarchy.

Advice

Individuals present in Cambodia, particularly Phnom Penh, are advised to closely monitor the situation and to avoid all protests, demonstrations, and large crowds due to the risk of violence.