Francophonie chief visits displaced families in Siem Reap

PHNOM PENH, March 3 (KPT) – The Secretary-General of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), Louise Mushikiwabo, has visited displaced families sheltering at a pagoda in north-western Cambodia.

Mushikiwabo, accompanied by Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, travelled on March 3 to Wat Thammasangsei, also known as Wat Sampeou Loun, in Kralanh district, Siem Reap province.

During the visit, the delegation met families who have yet to return home following recent border tensions. Food and other essential supplies were distributed to support those staying at the site.

Local authorities said 414 families, comprising 1,395 people, are currently sheltering at the pagoda’s safety centre.

The displaced families reportedly fled from the O’Smach area and Samraong city amid clashes along the Cambodian-Thai border.

Cambodian officials have accused Thai forces of entering the affected areas and damaging homes after a ceasefire between the two sides came into effect. There has been no immediate response to those claims from Thai authorities.

Mushikiwabo is in Cambodia for an official visit, during which she also met Prime Minister Hun Manet, Senate President Say Chhum, and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn.