Cambodia’s Hun Sen To Resign And Appoint Son As PM

Cambodia’s Hun Sen, one of the world’s longest-serving leaders, has announced he will resign as prime minister and hand over to his son in coming weeks.

The anticipated announcement came three days after his party again won all the seats at an uncompetitive election.

Hun Sen, 70, has become increasingly authoritarian after nearly four-decades of rule, analysts say.

He first flagged a transition in 2021, but until Wednesday, no one knew when that would take place.

His eldest son, Hun Manet, has long been groomed for the role and was until recently the commander of the Royal Cambodian Army.

On Wednesday, Hun Sen said his son would be appointed prime minister on 10 August.

He said he would be stepping down as staying in office could cause instability. However he will retain leadership of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party – a position political analysts say still gives him ultimate control.