Lawyers in Cambodia say the international community continues to focus closely on the case of opposition leader Kem Sokha, viewing it as central to prospects for a political settlement and national reconciliation in the country.
Kem Sokha, the former leader of the dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party, remains under house detention. According to legal observers, foreign governments want to see progress toward reconciliation between Cambodians, arguing that political compromise is essential for the country’s long-term stability and for the interests of its citizens.
Meng Sopheary, a member of the defence team representing opposition figures, wrote on social media that Cambodia is facing a difficult national moment, including external security pressures. She said many Cambodians are calling on political leaders to reconcile, restore unity, and strengthen national solidarity.
She added that international actors, including the European Union, Canada, Australia, and the United States, continue to closely monitor Kem Sokha’s situation. In her view, these countries want to see reconciliation between Cambodians for the benefit of the nation, even as some individuals work to prevent political unity.
Her comments come as political tensions in Cambodia remain high, despite what observers describe as serious national challenges, including pressure from a neighbouring country.
On January 13, Prime Minister Hun Manet wrote on Facebook that he had seen strong national unity and determination among Cambodians across the country. He said people were committed to building a resilient nation during a difficult period marked by what he described as threats to Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Hun Manet said the current situation requires collective unity and shared national commitment to strengthen Cambodia’s capacity in all sectors and to address social weaknesses that could undermine the country.
However, a different view was raised by Men Nat, chair of the Cambodia Watchdog Council, speaking on the Idea Talk programme of The Cambodia Daily in December. He said that when fighting broke out between Cambodia and Thailand, ordinary Cambodians were already united, but the key question was whether the government was able or willing to harness that unity.
Men Nat argued that genuine national reconciliation must begin with the ruling party. He said unity cannot be achieved through rhetoric alone, pointing to past pledges of reconciliation that were followed by arrests and pressure on critics and opposition figures.
He said meaningful reconciliation would require the release of all prisoners of conscience, including social activists and politicians. He singled out Kem Sokha, whom he described as being held unjustly.
Political analysts say the continued detention of critics and the suppression of dissent risk deepening national divisions and weakening Cambodia at a time when unity is widely seen as crucial.
