PHNOM PENH, March 2, 2026 – The head of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), Secretary-General Louise Mushikiwabo, plans to visit displacement sites along Cambodia’s border with Thailand during an official trip to Phnom Penh, Cambodian authorities said on Monday.
Mushikiwabo announced the planned visit during a meeting with Senate President Hun Sen, who is serving as acting head of state, at the Senate’s Solidarity Palace, according to a statement carried by state-aligned Agence Kampuchea Presse (AKP) and separate reporting by the Phnom Penh Post.
A Senate spokesperson said Hun Sen welcomed the visit as a sign of support for peace and opposition to war, while reiterating Cambodia’s position that the border dispute should be resolved through negotiations.
The visit comes as Cambodia prepares to host the 20th Francophonie Summit later this year. Cambodian officials said the summit is scheduled for Nov. 15–16 in Phnom Penh, and Mushikiwabo praised preparations, including logistical arrangements linked to Techo International Airport, AKP reported.
Hun Sen used the meeting to reassure invited leaders that the dispute with Thailand would not affect the summit’s organisation, according to the AKP account.
Cambodia and Thailand have faced renewed tensions along their shared border following bouts of violence in 2025 that displaced more than 500,000 people, Reuters has reported. A truce was declared on Dec. 27, 2025, but Phnom Penh has accused Thai forces of remaining in or near some civilian areas, an allegation Thailand has rejected.
Cambodian officials have recently organised visits for diplomats and U.N. agencies to displacement sites in Banteay Meanchey province and said some communities remain unable to return home because access is blocked, according to an AKP report on a separate delegation visit.
The OIF has said Cambodia will host the 20th Francophonie Summit in 2026. The organisation counts 90 “states and governments” across members, associate members and observers.
Cambodian authorities did not specify which displacement sites Mushikiwabo will visit or provide an itinerary.
