Socfin, Indigenous Communities Publicly Disclose Landmark Land Agreements

MONDULKIRI, April 23, 2026 (KPT) — A long running land dispute between rubber plantation firms and indigenous Bunong communities in northeastern Cambodia has shifted into a model of dialogue, as both sides jointly unveiled Thursday a series of landmark mediation agreements.

The accords, reached between 2018 and 2021, cover 26 settlements between Socfin affiliated companies — Varanasi and Sethikula (Socfin KCD) and Coviphama — and five communities in Bousra Commune, Mondulkiri province.

Villages involved include Pu Teut, Pu Char, Pu Raing, Bousra and Pu Luk. The disclosure marks a move from confidential talks to public transparency, reflecting growing trust and mutual understanding.

Justice Ministry Under Secretary of State Poch Sophorn said the disclosure was the result of “long standing efforts” facilitated by private sector and civil society actors, grounded in human rights principles and respect for Bunong traditions.

Socfin KCD General Manager Shanid Aluppy noted that initial confidentiality ensured a “safe environment” for dialogue, adding that both sides later agreed “it is the right time” to reveal the accords.

The mediation, conducted from 2017 to 2021 by an Independent Mediation Group with support from Mekong Region Land Governance and UN observers, addressed communal land use, streamside plantations, family rubber farms and compensation within concession areas. Local authorities and community elders also took part.

Community representative Khleok Keosingieb welcomed the return of lands and infrastructure support, saying negotiations had been “very hard and complicated” but offered hope as the agreements remain in place and are implemented continuously.

Observers say the disclosure could serve as a model for resolving land conflicts in Cambodia, particularly those involving economic land concessions and indigenous rights, by showing how voluntary dialogue can replace litigation and build lasting cooperation.