General information
Type of Incompatibility: Government
Comment on Type of Incompatibility: The conflict over government in Cambodia (Kampuchea) can be traced back to the early 1950s when France ended its colonial rule over the country. In 1955, Prince Sihanouk took power as the head of state in a one-party system state. In the 1960s several groups started to oppose the sitting regime, among them the Cambodian communists who became known as the “Khmer Rouge". In 1970, Prince Sihanouk was ousted in a military coup and a new authoritarian leadership under General Lon Nol began. The Khmer Rouge continued their resistance and an uneasy anti-governmental alliance with Prince Sihanouk and his royalist followers was established. In 1975, the alliance ousted General Lon Nol from power. Shortly afterwards, Khmer Rouge installed a communist regime and began a three year long authoritarian and violent rule.
In 1978, a new regime was installed with the help of Vietnamese troops. This marked the beginning of a new conflict period during which the Khmer Rouge and two non-communist rebel groups sought to overthrow the pro-Vietnamese government. Even tough these three groups differed considerably in their political views, they formed the anti-government alliance CGDK (Coalition Government of Democratic Kampuchea). Throughout the late 1970s and the 1980s, the government was heavily supported by Vietnamese troops in their effort to thwart the armed opposition groups.
Date of first stated goal of incompatibility: 1960-09-30
Comment on date of first stated goals of incompatibility: In 1930, Ho Chi Minh founded the Indochina Communist Party, and tried to unite revolutionaries from Cambodia and Laos with the Vietnamese independence movement. After the Second World War, the Vietminh encouraged Cambodians to form armed Khmer Issarak bands, who at the time of the Geneva conference in 1954 controlled almost half of Cambodias territory. By then, the movement had split into separate national organisations, such as the KPRP (Kampuchean, or Khmer, Peoples Revolutionary Party.)
At the same time Cambodian youths sent to Paris for studies on government scholarships started organising themselves around Marxist ideology. In 1951, the KSA (Khmer Students Association) in Paris were transformed into a nationalist, leftist organisation with an outspoken readiness for armed struggle under the leadership of Saloth Sar (a.k.a. Pol Pot), Hou Yuon, and Ieng Sary. Two years later, French authorities closed down the KSA, but in 1956 another Marxist-group called the KSU (Khmer Students Union) was established by Hou Youn and Khieu Samphan.
Pol Pot returned to Cambodia in 1953, and was followed by the others throughout the 1950s. They all became active within the KPRP. In late September 1960, the KPRP held a secret congress where the party was renamed WPK (Workers Party of Kampuchea), the party opted not to opt for armed resistance against the ruling Sihanouk, and Pol Pot and Ieng Sary became elected into the Political Bureau of the party. The young generation also managed to include in the drafting of a new program for the WPK that the main cause of the party is the realization of a national-democratic revolution, that is the struggle to overthrow the regime existing in the country.
In July 1962, the party general secretary Tou Samoth disappeared and was replaced in early 1963 with Pol Pot. From then on, the Paris students controlled the party centre and edged out veterans who were considered too pro-Vietnamese. Expecting government repression, most of the central committee left Phnom Penh in July 1963 to establish a base in rural Rotanokiri province in the northeast. They then connected with tribal minorities, the Khmer Loeu, whose discontent with the government made them willing recruits for a guerrilla struggle. Pol Pot travelled to North Vietnam and China before the party changed name again in September 1966 to the KCP (Kampuchean, or Khmer, Communist Party.)
Date of first use of armed force: 1967-01-01
Comment on first use of armed force: In January 1967, a peasant uprising broke out in the Samlot district of Batdambang Province, starting with the killing of a local tax collector. It is likely that communist leaders participated in and fuelled the uprising that Prince Sihanouk attributed to the "Khmer Viet Minh", or "Khmer Rouge" (Red Khmer.) The latter name was used to distinguish the insurgents from the right-wing "Khmer Bleu" (Blue Khmer.) Sihanouk later revised his claim, and accused the "Thai Patriotic Front" for being behind the rebellion.
The uprising was followed by left-wing demonstrations in Phnom Penh in March demanding the dismissal of the government and new elections to be held. Prince Sihanouk assumed emergence powers on 12 March, and installed an emergency government on 2 May.
Date of first battle related death: 1967-04-01
Comment on first battle related death: Prince Sihanouk attributed the uprising in early 1967 to the "Khmer Viet Minh", or "Khmer Rouge" (Red Khmer.)
After the largest incident on 2 April when 200 men attacked provincial guard posts, Sihanouk ordered a large-scale military campaign against the uprising. This was mostly aimed at the Batdambang peasants rather than the communist Khmer Rouge. Government sources reported that 24 people had been killed in clashes between 6 April and 30 April 1967.
On 21 June 1967, Prince Sihanouk declared that the insurgents - who numbered in thousands - had been defeated, but reports of clashes continued. Sihanouk later mentioned the effectiveness of the royal armed forces that had restored the peace but approximately 10 000 people had died.
Date of conflict reached 25 battle releated deaths: 1967-05-31
Comment on conflict reached 25 battle releated deaths: Government sources reported that 24 people had been killed in clashes between 6 April and 30 April 1967.
On 21 June 1967, Prince Sihanouk declared that the insurgents - who numbered in thousands - had been defeated, but reports of clashes continued. Sihanouk later mentioned the effectiveness of the royal armed forces that had restored the peace but approximately 10 000 people had died.
On 17 January 1968, the Khmer Rouge announced the founding of the RAK (the Revolutionary Army of Kampuchea.)
Annual information
This section contains annual information systematically collected by the UCDP.
1975
Primary Parties: Government of Cambodia (Kampuchea) - KR
Secondary Warring Parties Side B: Government of Vietnam (North Vietnam)
Dimension: Internationalized intrastate
Comment on Dimension: On 22 July 1975, Pol Pot declared that the Khmer Rouge had won the war without any foreign involvement. There were, however, several factors, mainly regarding the weapons used, that indicate that the Khmer Rouge did receive support from North Vietnam. Also, North Vietnam later claimed that they provided artillery support.
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 1001 |
| Best | 1001 |
| Low | 1 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
1978
Primary Parties: Government of Cambodia (Kampuchea) - KNUFNS
Secondary Warring Parties Side B: Government of Vietnam (North Vietnam)
Dimension: Internationalized intrastate
Comment on Dimension: The establishment of the KNUFNS was heavily supported by Vietnam. On 25 December 1978, Vietnam launched a full-scale invasion against Kampuchea.
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 1000 |
| Best | 1000 |
| Low | 0 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
1979
Primary Parties: Government of Cambodia (Kampuchea) - KNUFNS, KPNLF, KR
Secondary Warring Parties Side A: Government of Laos, Government of Vietnam (North Vietnam)
Secondary Warring Parties Side B: Government of Vietnam (North Vietnam)
Dimension: Internationalized intrastate
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 75 |
| Best | 75 |
| Low | 0 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
1980
Primary Parties: Government of Cambodia (Kampuchea) - KPNLF, KR
Secondary Warring Parties Side A: Government of Vietnam (North Vietnam)
Dimension: Internationalized intrastate
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 50 |
| Best | 50 |
| Low | 0 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
1981
Primary Parties: Government of Cambodia (Kampuchea) - KPNLF, KR
Secondary Warring Parties Side A: Government of Vietnam (North Vietnam)
Dimension: Internationalized intrastate
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 50 |
| Best | 50 |
| Low | 0 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
1982
Primary Parties: Government of Cambodia (Kampuchea) - FUNCINPEC, KPNLF, KR
Secondary Warring Parties Side A: Government of Vietnam (North Vietnam)
Dimension: Internationalized intrastate
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 75 |
| Best | 75 |
| Low | 0 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
1983
Primary Parties: Government of Cambodia (Kampuchea) - FUNCINPEC, KPNLF, KR
Secondary Warring Parties Side A: Government of Vietnam (North Vietnam)
Dimension: Internationalized intrastate
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 75 |
| Best | 75 |
| Low | 0 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
1984
Primary Parties: Government of Cambodia (Kampuchea) - FUNCINPEC, KPNLF, KR
Secondary Warring Parties Side A: Government of Vietnam (North Vietnam)
Dimension: Internationalized intrastate
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 75 |
| Best | 75 |
| Low | 0 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
1985
Primary Parties: Government of Cambodia (Kampuchea) - FUNCINPEC, KPNLF, KR
Secondary Warring Parties Side A: Government of Vietnam (North Vietnam)
Dimension: Internationalized intrastate
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 75 |
| Best | 75 |
| Low | 0 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
1986
Primary Parties: Government of Cambodia (Kampuchea) - FUNCINPEC, KPNLF, KR
Secondary Warring Parties Side A: Government of Vietnam (North Vietnam)
Dimension: Internationalized intrastate
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 75 |
| Best | 75 |
| Low | 0 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
1987
Primary Parties: Government of Cambodia (Kampuchea) - FUNCINPEC, KPNLF, KR
Secondary Warring Parties Side A: Government of Vietnam (North Vietnam)
Dimension: Internationalized intrastate
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 75 |
| Best | 75 |
| Low | 0 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
1988
Primary Parties: Government of Cambodia (Kampuchea) - FUNCINPEC, KPNLF, KR
Secondary Warring Parties Side A: Government of Vietnam (North Vietnam)
Dimension: Internationalized intrastate
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 75 |
| Best | 75 |
| Low | 0 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
1989
Primary Parties: Government of Cambodia (Kampuchea) - FUNCINPEC, KPNLF, KR
Secondary Warring Parties Side A: Government of Vietnam (North Vietnam)
Dimension: Internationalized intrastate
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 2438 |
| Best | 818 |
| Low | 818 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
1990
Primary Parties: Government of Cambodia (Kampuchea) - KPNLF, KR
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 657 |
| Best | 274 |
| Low | 268 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
1991
Primary Parties: Government of Cambodia (Kampuchea) - FUNCINPEC, KPNLF, KR
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 451 |
| Best | 220 |
| Low | 220 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
Peace agreements
Name of peace agreement: The Paris Agreement
Date when warring parties signed the agreement: 1991-10-23
Comment of peace agreement: Full peace agreement
On 23 October the Agreement on a Comprehensive Political Settlement of the Cambodia Conflict was signed between the government of Cambodia and the three groups fighting the government (the Khmer Rouge, FUNCINPEC and KPNLF). The agreement is also referred to as ‘the Paris Agreement’, since it was signed in Paris, France, during a peace conference held by the government of the French Republic.The agreement firstly reaffirms a number of earlier agreements, such as the Framework document of 28 August 1990, the formation of the Supreme National Council (SNC) on 10 September 1990 and the election of Prince Sihanouk as the President of the SNC on 17 July 1991.
A ceasefire is called into place, which ends hostilities between the parties. The ceasefire also stipulates the withdrawal of foreign troops from the Cambodian territory, and the cessation of all military support to the belligerents in the conflict. The parties agreed to demobilize all of their forces before the elections, and to place any units that were not demobilized under the control of the government that would be elected after the transitional period. A new national army was to be formed to the end the conflict. The training and restructuring of the police force was delegated to the UNTAC mission.
One of the most important measures for regulating the incompatibility was the formation of the Supreme National Council which was lead by Prince Sihanouk. This council was the outcome of a power-sharing arrangement between the parties under which power would be split almost equally between the belligerents. The SNC was to be seen as the sole representative of Cambodian sovereignty and authority. The SNC was composed of 6 members of the Cambodian government, 2 members of KPNLF, 1 member of FUNCINPEC and 2 members of the Khmer Rouge (KR). An important issue was the provision to hold free and fair elections at the end of the transitional period. The elections were supposed to end the conflict. Principles for a new constitution were elaborated upon, and would include a strengthening of human rights and democracy.
A substantive role was played by the UN and the UNTAC mission stationed in Cambodia to oversee the ceasefire and the transitional period. See Third Parties for more specifications.
The agreement also stipulated the release of all political prisoners, civilian internees and prisoners of war. Likewise there was an extensive program for the return of refugees and displaced persons, for which the government of Cambodia asked for the assistance of the UN and the international community.
Comment of signatories: Comprehensive peace agreement
The Paris Agreement was signed by all four warring parties as well as the UN Secretary-General and other participating states in the Paris conference: the Governments of Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, China, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, USSR, United Kingdom, USA, Vietnam, and Yugoslavia.
Third parties: UN Secretary-General; the Governments of Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, China, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, USSR, United Kingdom, USA, Vietnam, and Yugoslavia.
Comment of third parties role in peace agreement: Participants of the Paris Conference
Comment of Duration: The peace agreement ended at different points for different actors. The Khmer Rouge claimed that the agreement were not implemented according to plan and continued their struggle with increasing intensity from mid-1992. On 5 July 1997 the CPP attacked a faction of FUNCINPEC claiming the group were plotting to overthrow the government. In March 1998, after negotiations involving King Sihanouk, all opposition parties - including the FUNCINPEC rebellious main faction - declared their willingness to follow the Paris Agreement and respect the upcoming elections in 1998.
Full-text peace agreement
Name of peace agreement: Accord between the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) and the National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia (FUNCINPEC)
Date when warring parties signed the agreement: 1991-11-20
Comment of peace agreement: Full Peace Agreement
This agreement commits the CPP and FUNCINPEC to cooperate in the interest of implementing the 1991 Paris Agreement. The parties agree to cooperate in the upcoming presidential election, to the extent that they pledge to support H.R.H. Samdech Norodom Sihanouk's candidature and to refrain from attacks on one another until and during the election. They further agree to cooperate in the future National Assembly and to form a coalition government.
Regarding the incompatibility, this agreement advances efforts toward political dialogue and cooperation between the parties. The parties agree to maintain political stability and state their joint support for H.R.H. Samdech Norodom Sihanouk as leader of the government and nation.
Signatories: In the name of FUNCINPEC, Norodom Ranariddh
In the name of the CPP, Hun Sen
Comment of signatories: Comprehensive peace agreement signed in Phnom Penh on 20 November 1991.
Full-text peace agreement
1992
Primary Parties: Government of Cambodia (Kampuchea) - KR
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 118 |
| Best | 118 |
| Low | 118 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
1993
Primary Parties: Government of Cambodia (Kampuchea) - KR
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 393 |
| Best | 274 |
| Low | 274 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
1994
Primary Parties: Government of Cambodia (Kampuchea) - KR
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 1126 |
| Best | 464 |
| Low | 404 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
1995
Primary Parties: Government of Cambodia (Kampuchea) - KR
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 1105 |
| Best | 694 |
| Low | 684 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
1996
Primary Parties: Government of Cambodia (Kampuchea) - KR
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 1007 |
| Best | 788 |
| Low | 788 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
1997
Primary Parties: Government of Cambodia (Kampuchea) - Forces of Norodom Ranariddh, KR, Military faction (Forces of Hun Sen)
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 650 |
| Best | 416 |
| Low | 416 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
1998
Primary Parties: Government of Cambodia (Kampuchea) - Forces of Norodom Ranariddh, KR
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 385 |
| Best | 246 |
| Low | 246 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
1999
Primary Parties: -
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 0 |
| Best | 0 |
| Low | 0 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
2000
Primary Parties: -
Dimension: Internal
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 39 |
| Best | 15 |
| Low | 15 |
Numbers include fatalities for all dyads both active and inactive for this year
Conflict Archive
This section contains annual information no longer systematically collected by the UCDP.
1975 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: The Front Uni National du Kampuchéa (FUNK), a broadly-based alliance consisting of the Khmer Rouge and the royalist followers of Prince Sihanouk, launched an offensive on 1 January 1975 which gave them control of the Mekong area in Cambodia.
The President, General Lon Nol, left the country on 1 April 1975 and the President of the Senate, Major-General Saukham Khoy became interim President. Two days later Khoy appealed for negotiations but all such offers were turned down by Prince Sihanouk.
Phnom-Penh, along with several provincial capitals, was captured on 17 April 1975. Resistance by the republican army forces came to an almost complete stop after the fall of the capital and all the remaining provincial capitals surrendered a few days later. The last republican stronghold, near northern the Thai border, was taken on 22 May 1975.
After the instalment of the new regime, Prince Sihanouk retook his position as Head of State and M. Penn Nouth was named Prime Minister. The new regime was recognized by a number of states, among others the Soviet Union, India and France, during the spring 1975.
The ousting of the republican regime ended the five-year long armed conflict that begun with the overthrow of Prince Sihanouk as Head of State in 1970.
Comment on Yearly Battle Related Deaths: The number of battle-related deaths in this conflict is unclear, but activity at the least surpassed 1000 battle-related deaths.
Negotiations: NO
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: YES
Victory side: b
Comment on Victory: The FUNK captured the capital Phnom-Penh on 17 April 1975. The rebels gained full control of the country shortly afterwards. The ousting of the republican regime ended the five-year long armed conflict that begun with the overthrow of Prince Sihanouk as Head of State in 1970.
Comment on Victorious Side: Front Uni National du Kampuchéa (FUNK), consisting of the Khmer Rouge and Prince Sihanouk and his supporters.
Terminated: YES
Type of termination: Victory
Date of termination: 1975-04-17
Comment on Termination: FUNK captured the capital Phnom-Penh on 17 April 1975. The rebels gained full control of the country shortly afterwards. The ousting of the republican regime ended the five-year long armed conflict that begun with the overthrow of Prince Sihanouk as Head of State in 1970.
1978 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: On 2 December 1978 the Kampuchean National United Front for National Salvation (KNUFNS) was formed. The group consisted of opponents of the Khmer Rouge regime and was heavily supported by Vietnam. The meeting resulted in the creation of a central committee consisting of 14 members, with Heng Samrin, who had recently defected from the Khmer Rouge, as president. The main goal of the organisation was to overthrow the Pol Pot regime and establish a new government.
During 1975-1978 there had been frequent armed clashes along the border between Kampuchea and Vietnam. On 25 December 1978, Vietnam launched a full-scale invasion against Kampuchea. The majority of the fighting was conducted by the Vietnamese troops, which numbered up to 100 000 soldiers, while the KNUFNS, with estimated 20 000 soldiers, played a smaller role.
The Pol Pot regime’s army, consisting of about 50 000 soldiers, faced several problems, not only because they were clearly outnumbered by their opponents, but also because they lacked training and experienced commanders. The last years of party purges had wiped out a large part of the experienced military leaders.
The military advancement by the Vietnamese troops and the KNUFNS was rapid and by the end of the year large parts of the country were under their control.
Comment on Yearly Battle Related Deaths: The number of battle-related deaths in this conflict is unclear, but activity at the least surpassed 1000 battle-related deaths.
Negotiations: NO
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1979 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: On 7 January 1979, Phnom-Penh was captured by the KNUFNS and Vietnamese troops. A few weeks later, the Pol Pot regime had been ousted from the cities and had resorted to guerrilla warfare in the countryside. The KNUFNS and the Vietnamese troops reportedly met little resistance when entering Phnom-Penh since most of the people and the army had been transferred to other locations.
A People’s Revolutionary Council, lead by Heng Samrin (leader of the KNUFNS) was formed as a provisional government on 8 January 1979. Shortly afterwards, the new government was recognized by Vietnam, Laos and the Soviet Union. Diplomatic contacts with Vietnam were quickly established and an extensive treaty between the countries was signed in February.
The reactions from other countries were mixed. The members of the Association of the South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines, urged the UN Security Council to take action and call for an immediate withdrawal of all foreign forces Kampuchea in order to restore the peace and stability in Indo-China. A similar call was also made by the former head of state, Prince Sihanouk, who had agreed to speak on behalf of the Khmer Rouge. USA supported this line, noting that even though they did not support the policy of the Pol Pot regime and its poor human rights record, they could not accept Vietnam’s military intervention into another country. China, a strong supporter of the Khmer Rouge, supported their call for a resolution about a complete withdrawal of the Vietnamese forces. The Soviet Union supported the KNUFNS and Vietnam.
A UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate withdrawal of all foreign troops in was subsequently drafted but was vetoed by the Soviet Union. In September 1979 it was decided by the UN General Assembly that the Khmer Rouge should continue to represent the country in the UN.
The period that followed the overthrow of the Khmer Rouge was characterized by mass migration, accompanied by an extensive lack of food. It was estimated that up to 600 000 people crossed the border into Thailand or settled in the border region, mainly because the scarcity of food and the continued insecurity.
In October 1979 the Khmer People’s National Liberation Front (KPNLF) was formed, becoming the first non-communist resistance group in Kampuchea. The group was lead by Son Sann, a former prime minister under Prince Sihanouk (1967-68).
Comment on Yearly Battle Related Deaths: The number of battle-related deaths in this conflict is unclear, but activity at the least surpassed 75 battle-related deaths.
Negotiations: NO
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: YES
Victory side: a
Comment on Victory: On 7 January 1979, Phnom-Penh was captured by the KNUFNS and Vietnamese troops. The KNUFNS rebellion, supported by the Vietnamese invasion, was launched on 25 December 1978. A few weeks later, the Pol Pot regime had been ousted from the cities and had resorted to guerrilla warfare in the countryside.
A People’s Revolutionary Council, lead by Heng Samrin (leader of the KNUFNS) was formed as a provisional government on 8 January 1979. Shortly afterwards, the new government was recognized by Vietnam, Laos and the Soviet Union.
Although the KNUFNS captured the capital and formed a new government, the Khmer Rouge was not eliminated. The Khmer Rouge regrouped and conducted frequent guerrilla attacks on the new government and the Vietnamese troops. The group continued to be recognised as the representative of Kampuchea in the UN.
Comment on Victorious Side: The Kampuchean National United Front for National Salvation (KNUFNS).
Terminated: NO
1980 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: 1980 was characterised by continued fighting, mainly in the western and north western provinces. The military situation was considered a stalemate since the rebels lacked the capacity to push the Vietnamese forces out of Kampuchea and the government forces lacked the capacity to break the guerrilla units.
The government and the Vietnamese troops controlled all populated areas as well as the major roads, railroads and waterways. The Khmer Rouge controlled a few areas which were populated merely by their troops and their families. Their strategy consisted of ambushes on a relatively low scale, although there where some incidents of heavy fighting. The units operating close to the Thai border were allowed to frequently withdraw into Thai territory.
Besides the Khmer Rouge, there were several anti-communist groups active. Of these, the KPNLF was the largest in terms of military capacity. The different rebel groups generally observed an informal truce, although there were incidents when the groups clashed over food supplies or recruits in the refugee camps.
While there was a clear food crisis in 1979, the situation improved in 1980, partly because of Soviet aid. The refugee camps in the border region towards Thailand continued, however, to be dependent on international aid. The shortage of food and the western part of the country being the rebels’ stronghold caused the main international aid providers to halt or restrict their aid towards the end of the year in order to avoid supporting the rebel groups.
The international relations concerning Kampuchea remained almost unchanged compared to 1979. A new attempt to give the Kampuchean chair in the UN to the new government was rejected. India, however, decided to recognize the government in July 1980.
Comment on Yearly Battle Related Deaths: The number of battle-related deaths in this conflict is unclear, but activity at the least surpassed 50 battle-related deaths.
Negotiations: NO
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1981 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: The Khmer Rouge and the KPNLF continued their guerrilla warfare towards the government and the Vietnamese troops throughout the year, with a temporarily decline during the rainy season. The government and the Vietnamese troops responded with a large offensive in October 1981 and used Vietnamese aircraft for bombing and transportation.
The first general election since the ousting of the Pol Pot regime was held in May 1981. Government officials claimed a voter turnout of 99 percent. All the candidate to the National Assembly had been nominated by the ruling Kampuchean People’s Revolutionary Party (KPRP).
During 1981 the Khmer Rouge, KPNLF and Prince Sihanouk conducted negotiations about forming a united front against the Vietnamese-backed government. These meetings were supported by the USA, China and several other Asian countries. A loose coalition was formed during the autumn.
The Khmer Rouge continued to hold the country’s chair in the UN General Assembly.
Comment on Yearly Battle Related Deaths: The number of battle-related deaths in this conflict is unclear, but activity at the least surpassed 50 battle-related deaths.
Negotiations: YES
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1982 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: 1982 followed the same pattern as 1981 in terms of the intensity in the fighting between different rebel groups and the government and the Vietnamese troops. A major offensive launched by the Vietnamese troops pushed the Khmer Rouge closer to the Thai border. In connection to this offensive, there were several allegations towards Vietnam about using chemical weapons, referred to as yellow rain.
On 22 June 1982 the Khmer Rouge, the KPNLF and Prince Sihanouk (representing the National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful, and Cooperative Cambodia, FUNCINPEC) agreed to form the Coalition Government of Democratic Kampuchea (CGDK). The coalition was officially proclaimed on 7 July. The aim of the CGDK was to cooperate and conduct a joint struggle to oust the government and the Vietnamese troops. The CGDK was later recognized by the UN General Assembly.
Vietnam announced in July 1982 that they were going to withdraw a larger part of their troops, however, there was no evidence that this materialised during the rest of the year.
Comment on Yearly Battle Related Deaths: The number of battle-related deaths in this conflict is unclear, but activity at the least surpassed 75 battle-related deaths.
Negotiations: NO
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1983 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: The fighting between the People’s Republic of Kampuchea (PRK) army and the Vietnamese army one the one hand and the Coalition Government of Democratic Kampuchea (CGDK) on the other intensified in the beginning of 1983. The heaviest fighting since the start of the conflict in 1979 took place near the Thai border when the PRK army and the Vietnamese destroyed several CGDK military bases. When the rainy season started, the PRK army and the Vietnamese army seized most of the operations, while the CGDK continued with their guerrilla attacks.
The guerrilla troops of the CGDK frequently crossed the Thai border and some bases were reported to have been located inside Thailand. This lead to repeated clashes between the Thai army and the Vietnamese army during the latter’s pursuit of guerrilla troops.
The relations among the members of the CGDK continued to be strained. On 29 May Prince Sihanouk argued that it was impossible to defeat the Vietnamese army with military means, the armed struggled only served as a way of getting them to the negotiating table. He advocated a temporary solution consisting of an interim coalition government in which both the three members of the CGDK and the PRK government would be included. The new coalition government was to be accompanied by an end of all fighting and free elections. This idea was however strongly rejected by the other members of the CGDK.
China, which continued to support the Khmer Rouge, also proposed a solution to the ongoing fighting. On 1 March they presented a five-point plan which included a full withdrawal of the Vietnamese troops, a cessation of the Soviet Union’s support to Vietnam, free elections in which the people would be able to choose their own government without any foreign involvement etc. Vietnam rejected the proposal and argued that they would only withdraw when China halted its support to the Khmer Rouge and the other members of the CGDK.
Comment on Yearly Battle Related Deaths: The number of battle-related deaths in this conflict is unclear, but activity at the least surpassed 75 battle-related deaths.
Negotiations: NO
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1984 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: Several proposals for a settlement of the ongoing violence were put forward by the different stakeholders in 1984. A proposal made in September 1983 by the ASEAN members was rejected by the People’s Republic of Kampuchea (PRK) in January 1984. A few weeks later the foreign ministers of PRK, Laos and Vietnam argued that China was the biggest threat against the security in the region. They presented a list of the main points for potential negotiations, including the removal of all foreign armed forces from the region and a cessation of China’s and Thailand’s support to the CGDK. The UN General Assembly agreed on a resolution calling for a withdrawal of all Vietnamese troops. None of these proposals led to any serious negotiations.
The armed violence continued to intensify, especially during the dry season in the end of 1984. There were also repeated clashes between the Thai and Vietnamese military.
Comment on Yearly Battle Related Deaths: The number of battle-related deaths in this conflict is unclear, but activity at the least surpassed 75 battle-related deaths.
Negotiations: NO
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1985 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: The dry-season offensive lasting from November 1984 to March 1985 contained the most intense fighting since the onset of the conflict in 1978. During this offensive the PRK army and the Vietnamese army used heavier artillery than previous years and by the end of the offensive they had taken all of the main CGDK bases along the Thai border. This caused the rebel groups, mainly the KPNLF and the FUNCINPEC, to change their tactics of large military bases and focus more on guerrilla warfare inside the country. The Khmer Rouge was less affected by the offensive since they did not rely as heavily on permanent military bases.
In conjunction to the dry-season offensive, the Thai military and the Vietnamese army clashed on a number of occasions. The Thai military claimed that they had killed up to 500 Vietnamese troops that had crossed into Thai territory. This number could however not be verified and is likely to have been inflated.
After the dry-season offensive had ended, it was estimated that there were about 230 000 refugees living in refugee camps in eastern Thailand, most of them as a result of months of intense fighting.
The ASEAN continued to push for negotiations and a withdrawal of the Vietnamese forces. In the beginning of the year the PRK and the Vietnamese governments claimed that they would participate in talks with the ASEAN, the Soviet Union, the USA etc as well as with the KPNLF and the FUNCINPEC. They rejected talks with the Khmer Rouge. In July the same year they rejected discussions as proposed by the ASEAN on 8 July. The CGDK positions also shifted and there were clear divisions within the coalition. Of the three member groups, FUNCINPEC was the one most in favour of negotiations. No progress on negotiations was made during 1985.
Comment on Yearly Battle Related Deaths: The number of battle-related deaths in this conflict is unclear, but activity at the least surpassed 75 battle-related deaths.
Negotiations: NO
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1986 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: Although the guerrilla attacks was more spread out over the country and they increased in number, the intensity of the fighting was considerably lower compared to previous years.
The parties made several suggestions about holding negotiations, but none of them materialised during 1986. In January the PRK government announced that they would be willing to hold talks with oppositions group, although excluding the Khmer Rouge. This was rejected by the CGDK in February, which in turn presented a peace plan on 17 March. The plan focused on a withdrawal of all Vietnamese troops, an UN observer group, negotiations between the PRK government and the CGDK and free elections. Prince Sihanouk continued to advocate the possibility of a four party coalition including the CGDK and the PRK government. The plan was rejected on the following day by the PRK government. Vietnamese suggestions about regional talks were rejected by the CGDK in March.
On 5 November the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution that renewed its call for a withdrawal of all foreign forces from Kampuchea.
The PRK government decided in the beginning of February to postpone the elections to the National Assembly until 1991.
Comment on Yearly Battle Related Deaths: The number of battle-related deaths in this conflict is unclear, but activity at the least surpassed 75 battle-related deaths.
Negotiations: NO
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1987 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: The border clashes between the PRK and the Vietnamese armies on the one hand and the CGDK member groups on the other continued, as well as the guerrilla attacks in various locations in Kampuchea. While the KPNLF and the FUNCINPEC had lost most of their military strength, the Khmer Rouge continued to pose a threat to the PRK and the Vietnamese armies. However, the Khmer Rouge was vastly outnumbered by the PRK and the Vietnamese troops. The conflict was therefore in a stalemate.
On 14 October the UN General Assembly adopted a new resolution repeating previous years’ call for a withdrawal of all foreign forces from Kampuchea.
In December 1987 the first real negotiations steps were taken. Prince Sihanouk met with Hun Sen, the prime minister of the PRK government, in France and issued a joint communiqué in which they agreed on the need to find a political solution and to hold further talks. A Vietnamese troop withdrawal was discussed but was not included in the final communiqué. Son Sann, the leader of the KPNLF later stated that they would be willing to participate in talks on the conditions that Vietnam participated and also guaranteed that all of their troops would be withdrawn. The Khmer Rouge did not give an indication whether they would participate in later talks or not.
Comment on Yearly Battle Related Deaths: The number of battle-related deaths in this conflict is unclear, but activity at the least surpassed 75 battle-related deaths.
Negotiations: YES
Comment on Negotiation: On 2-4 December 1987 the first real negotiations steps were taken. Prince Sihanouk, who officially had taken one year off as the president of the CGDK, met with Hun Sen, the prime minister of the PRK government, in France and issued a joint communiqué. The main points were that the conflict had to be settled by negotiations and not on the battle-field, that all parties involved must be allowed to participate in the talks, that once an agreement had been reached between all parties there would an international conference to guarantee the agreement and finally that the two sides would continue to have meetings during 1988. A Vietnamese troop withdrawal was discussed but was not included in the final communiqué.
On 9 December Prince Sihanouk announced that the talks could not continue as planned until the KPNLF and the Khmer Rouge agreed to participate in the talks. This decision was however changed on 15 December when he announced his willingness to continue without the other two CGDK member groups. Son Sann, the leader of the KPNLF, stated that they would be willing to participate in talks on the conditions that Vietnam participated and also guaranteed that all of their troops would be withdrawn. The Khmer Rouge did not gave no indication whether they would participate in later talks or not.
Prior to the talks in December, the PRK government had announced on 8 October their willingness to find a political solution to the conflict, however, they rejected talks with Pol Pot and his closest supporters. The PRK government proposed a higher position for Prince Sihanouk in a non-specified state organ, a withdrawal of the Vietnamese forces accompanied by a halt of all foreign aid directed against the PRK government (mainly from China and Thailand), new elections and a new coalition government, normalisation of the relations between Thailand and Kampuchea and finally an international conference with all relevant states and parties present.
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1988 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: Two main sets of negotiations were held during 1988, one was the continued talks between the PRK leader, Hun Sen, and the FUNCINPEC leader, Prince Sihanouk and the other was a couple of negotiations initiated by the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. None of the negotiations resulted in a peace agreement, however, it was seen as a success by some since all the three CGDK members, the PRK government and Vietnam had participated in the latter negotiations. The ASEAN sponsored conference resulted in a working group with representatives from all the involved parties which met later during 1988 and held further discussions.
Despite the ongoing negotiations, there were continued reports about clashes between the guerrilla troops and the PRK and the Vietnamese armies, as well as between the Vietnamese army and the Thai army. The Thai-Kampuchean border area continued to be the centre-stage for most of the clashes, although the guerrilla troops kept up their attacks deeper inside Kampuchea.
Comment on Yearly Battle Related Deaths: The number of battle-related deaths in this conflict is unclear, but activity at the least surpassed 75 battle-related deaths.
Negotiations: YES
Comment on Negotiation: Two main sets of negotiations were held during 1988, one was the continued talks between the PRK leader, Hun Sen, and the FUNCINPEC leader, Prince Sihanouk and the other was a couple of negotiations initiated by the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries.
The second meeting between Hun Sen and Prince Sihanouk was held in France on 20-21 January. The talks focused on five central topics; the timetable for a full Vietnamese troop withdrawal , a coalition government, the future political system in Kampuchea, the future of Kampuchea as a independent, neutral and non-aligned state and finally international guarantees for any negotiated agreement. Hun Sen claimed after the meeting that they had reached an agreement on the last three points but further discussions were needed to solve the issues regarding the troop withdrawal and the formation of a coalition government.
The KPNLF argued that these talks were a mere attempt by Vietnam to divide the CGDK. The group also continued to raise its demand that Vietnam would participate directly in the peace talks, which Vietnam previously had rejected.
The other peace initiative, driven by the ASEAN, was started off by a conference on 25 – 28 July. Leaders from the Khmer Rouge, the KPNLF, the FUNCINPEC, the PRK government, Vietnam and south-east Asian states were present at the negotiations.
While the CGDK member groups continued to raise their demand for a full troop withdrawal, Vietnam insisted that the withdrawal would be accompanied by a complete halt of all foreign support to the guerrilla groups. Hun Sen agreed to Prince Sihaouk’s suggestion about forming a four-party coalition prior to new elections.
Despite concession by some of the parties, the three day long conference ended without an agreement, with the parties blaming each other for the lack of success. At the same time it was argued by western sources that the conference was a success given that none of the parties had walked out of the negotiations. Furthermore, the Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas announced that as a result of the conference, an official-level working group, with representatives for all the parties that had participated in the conference, would be set up with the task to discuss the possibilities of a negotiated settlement to the conflict.
The first meeting of the working group, consisting of almost 50 delegates, was held on 17-20 October. The Khmer Rouge did, however, not attend this meeting. After the meeting, the participants stated that the main issues to be solved was the troop withdrawal, the prevention of the Khmer Rouge leadership from gaining a role in any new government and the power-sharing in a future coalition government. It was agreed that the peace process should continue and that more meetings would be held before the end of the year. Prince Sihanouk participated in this meeting despite having announced that his son would represent him following his resignation as the president of the CGDK.
Third party involvement: YES
Third party involvement names: Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN)
Comment on Third Party Involvement: The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), consisting of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, initiated the peace initiative which was launched with a conference (25-28 July) with leaders from the Khmer Rouge, the KPNLF, the FUNCINPEC, the PRK government, Vietnam, Laos and the ASEAN states present. The ASEAN states hosted the conference, which was held in Bogor, close to the Indonesian capital Jakarta. The ASEAN states were also represented in the working group that were formed as a result of the conference.
The ASEAN, a non-communist association, included Thailand and Singapore which both have supported the CGDK member groups. There has also been frequent military clashes between the Thai army and the Vietnamese army along the Thai-Kampuchean border. Some of the members of the ASEAN could therefore be seen as biased, however, the organisation as a whole can be regarded as neutral in connection to the negotiations.
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1989 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: A 15-member fact-finding team visited Phnom Penh in August to prepare for a possible future UN peace-monitoring mission in Cambodia.
In September, the last of the Vietnamese forces previously supporting the government withdrew.
On 16 November, the UN General Assembly passed resolution A/RES/44/22 (vote 124-17, 12 absent) calling for, among others, a comprehensive settlement of the Cambodian problem and no return to power of the Khmer Rouge.
Comment on Yearly Battle Related Deaths: Due to the alliance of the insurgent groups, reporting only focus on government vs. CGDK why it is impossible to differentiate between the different rebel forces.
Negotiations: YES
Comment on Negotiation: The government of Cambodia, FUNCINPEC, KPNLF, and Khmer Rouge met for informal talks in February.
Between 30 July and 30 August, the four Cambodian parties, representatives of 18 countries and the UN Secretary General met in Paris trying to establish a framework for a future settlement. The conference produced no formal results.
Third party involvement: YES
Third party involvement names: Government of Australia, Government of Brunei Darussalam, Government of Canada, Government of China, Government of France, Government of India, Government of Indonesia, Government of Japan, Government of Laos, Government of Malaysia, Government of the Philippines, Government of Singapore, Government of Thailand, Government of the USSR, Government of the United Kingdom, Government of the USA, Government of Vietnam, Government of Yugoslavia.
The United Nations Secretary-General
Comment on Third Party Involvement: Participants of the Paris conference.
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1990 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: On 30 March, the UN sent a fact-finding team to Cambodia for two weeks with the intention to assess logistics requirements in the event of a UN role in the settlement.
Comment on Yearly Battle Related Deaths: Unclear to find reliable information. Government sources claim to have killed thousands of rebels, and the Khmer Rouge radio reported attacks killing over 1000 government troops. These claims could not be confirmed by independent reporting. The number of deaths is probably closer to 1000, than the lower threshold of 25. Possibly war.
Negotiations: YES
Comment on Negotiation: In January, the five permanent members of the Security Council met in Paris and agreed on general principles for the Cambodian peace process. Further meetings are held throughout the year on the topic, and in August the five Security Council permanent members agree among themselves on the main elements of the process. The plans involved a strong UN role as peacekeepers fully supported and funded by the permanent five.
The negotiation attempts continued without any progress and meetings were held in Jakarta 26-28 February, and Tokyo 4 June, but the parties could not agree on the role of a proposed Supreme National Council (SNC.) Other issues where there was disagreements was in relation to disarmament as well as the procedures of forming a transitional civilian authority accompanied by a UN peacekeeping force during the transition to a new government.
In a two-day meeting in Jakarta, ASEAN foreign ministers called for a new meeting among the four Cambodian parties to set up a SNC. On 10 September, the parties agreed to the establishment of a SNC, following the suggestion of ASEAN.
A week later, the warring factions met in Bangkok and established the SNC with its first twelve members: Hun Sen, Hor Namhong, Chem Snguon, Kong Som Ol, Sin Song, and Tea Banh from the State of Cambodia government; Prince Ranariddh, and Chau Sen Cocsal Chhum from FUNCINPEC; Son Sann, and Ieng Mouly from KPNLF; Khieu Samphan, and Son Sen from Khmer Rouge/Democratic Kampuchea.
Negotiations on the settlement of the conflict continued in Paris on 21-23 December.
Third party involvement: YES
Third party involvement names: United Nations
Government of Australia, Government of Brunei Darussalam, Government of Canada, Government of China, Government of France, Government of India, Government of Indonesia, Government of Japan, Government of Laos, Government of Malaysia, Government of the Philippines, Government of Singapore, Government of Thailand, Government of the USSR, Government of the United Kingdom, Government of the USA, Government of Vietnam, Government of Yugoslavia.
The United Nations Secretary-General
Comment on Third Party Involvement: Mediators, facilitators of peace negotiations.
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1991 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: In November, the UNAMIC (United Nations Advance Mission for Cambodia) was deployed to maintain liaison between the factions and begin demining operations as preparation for the repatriation of approximately 370 000 refugees from Thailand.
There were some reports on ceasefire violations, usually by Khmer Rouge forces, towards the end of the year but it seemed like the peace agreement held.
In December, massive demonstrations in Phnom Penh criticised the government for corruption and led to clashes with police and soldiers.
Comment on Yearly Battle Related Deaths: The government claimed to have killed over 400 guerrillas in January alone, but it was clear that the conflict activity became less intense compared to the previous year.
Negotiations: YES
Comment on Negotiation: After intense mediation by the United Nations Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar, France and Indonesia, the parties declared their first ceasefire in 12 years starting on 1 May.
Meetings between the parties continued, in Jakarta (Indonesia) 4-6 June, in Pattaya (Thailand) 24-26 June, and in Beijing (China) 16-17 July where Sihanouk was elected unanimously the President of the SNC (Supreme National Council.) Negotiations continued in Pattya 26-29 August, and in New York on 19 September.
On 16 October, the UN Security Council adopted resolution S/RES/717 to establish UNAMIC (United Nations Advance Mission in Cambodia) immediately after the signing of a proposed agreement.
The signing of "The Agreement on a Comprehensive Political Settlement of the Cambodian Conflict" on 23 October by the four Cambodian factions, 19 other states, and the UN Secretary general. The agreement became known as "The Paris Agreement" after the city where it was signed. The agreement laid out provisions for a transitional period, UN peacekeeping (UNTAB mission), a future election, and the basic principles of a newly composed constitution.
On 20 November, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/46/18 expressing its full support of the "Paris Agreement."
Third party involvement: YES
Third party involvement names: Government of Australia, Government of Brunei Darussalam, Government of Canada, Government of China, Government of France, Government of India, Government of Indonesia, Government of Japan, Government of Laos, Government of Malaysia, Government of the Philippines, Government of Singapore, Government of Thailand, Government of the USSR, Government of the United Kingdom, Government of the USA, Government of Vietnam, Government of Yugoslavia.
The United Nations Secretary-General; UN Advance Mission in Cambodia (UNAMIC 91-93)
Comment on Third Party Involvement: Participants in the Second Paris conference.
In 1991 UNAMIC an advance mission for UNTAC was established to help the parties to monitor the ceasefire. The mission mainly consisted of military observers and liaison officers.
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1992 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: On 16 March, the UNTAC (United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia) arrived to begin implementation of the UN settlement plan. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees began full-scale repatriation in March. There were some breaches of the ceasefire by KR troops.
In June, the Khmer Rouge refused to disarm or allow UN peacekeeping troops on the territory they controlled. KR argued that they did not want to disarm because there still were Vietnamese forces in the country. In mid-July the KR seized six villages and attacked UN helicopters.
The UN Security Council at several occasions (S/RES/766 in July, S/RES/783 in October) demanded that KR comply with phase II of the Paris Agreement. On 30 November, the Security Council adopted resolution S/RES/792 imposing a trade embargo on areas under KR control. On 2 December six UN soldiers were held capture for two days by KR accused of spying. At the end of the year, Khieu Samphan warned UN staff from trying to monitor sanctions imposed on trade.
Negotiations: YES
Comment on Negotiation: Negotiations continued throughout the year within the meetings with the SNC, and UNTAC officials. The KR refused to comply with the Paris Agreements disarmament provisions as they considered that other part of the agreement had not been complied with: that all foreign military should leave Cambodian soil.
Third party involvement: YES
Third party involvement names: UNTAC (United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia)
Comment on Third Party Involvement: The UNTAC consisted of about 22 000 troops, police officers and civilian administrators.
-to oversee implementation of Agreements on a Comprenhensive Political Settlement; supervision of ceasefire;verify withdrawal of forces; oversee cantonment, desarmement and demobilisation of forces; weapons control, including verifying end of outside assistance.
-military observers, mobile monitoring teams, air and marine patrols; border checkpoints; cantonment sites.
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1993 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: On 4 January, Prince Sihanouk, chairman of the SNC, declared his withdrawal from the peace process and cooperation with UNTAC. He quoted increasing political violence against his party, FUNCINPEC, and the failure of UNTAC to curtail it as his main reasons. After meetings with UNTAC officials, Sihanouk agreed to return to the process a week later.
In late January, the transitional government forces launched a large-scale military offensive against Khmer Rouge.
One of the UN Chief Administrators in Cambodia, Gerard Porcell, resigned citing the UNs failure to stop the violence and intimidation allegedly carried out by the Khmer Rouge and the CPP (the former government).
Elections were held in May with a turnout of around 90%, with FUNCINPEC winning 45,5% of the vote. Other main parties were CPP 38,2% and the BLDP 3,8%, with the rest divided among 17 other political parties. Khmer Rouge boycotted the election, and attacked election workers during the election campaign. The CPP later challenged the results without success in many parts of the country.
Following a series of Khmer Rouge attacks; government launched a new offensive in August.
On 26 September, the UNTAC ends. The mission was the most expensive mission ever conducted by UN, at a cost of 1,7 billion US $ for its 18-month period.
Negotiations: YES
Comment on Negotiation: In July, the KR leader Khieu Samphan went to Phnom Penh to offer an end to the conflict. He claimed that KR would settle for a role as counsellors in the government, and integration of its forces into the army. Nothing came out of these discussions.
Third party involvement: YES
Third party involvement names: UNTAC (United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia)
Comment on Third Party Involvement: On 26 September, the UNTAC ended. The mission was the most expensive mission ever conducted by UN, at a cost of 1,7 billion US $ for its 18-month period.
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1994 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: In June, the government closed the Khmer Rouge offices in Phnom Penh, followed by making the KR an illegal organisation.
It was reported that the Khmer Rouge had committed atrocities against civilians in the last three months of the year, as part of their campaign against the government.
Negotiations: NO
Comment on Negotiation: In April-June attempts to begin peace talks are made, but they fail as the Khmer Rouge refused to agree to a ceasefire.
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1995 Conflict Archive
Negotiations: NO
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1996 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: In August Ieng Sary, the former number two of Khmer Rouge, defected with his troops. After some political manoeuvring, the king signed a royal degree granting amnesty to the breakaway leaders. Sary was also allowed to remain in control of his stronghold in Pailin.
Negotiations: NO
Third party involvement: NO
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1997 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: In 1997, the conflict between the government and Khmer Rouge continued, even though clashes became less intense as many KR members defected.
In addition, there were clashes between the two government coalition parties,Hun Sen's CPP and the main faction of the FUNCINPEC, led by Prince Norodom Ranariddh. The first phase of the fighting pitted a military faction loyal to Hun Sen against the Government of Cambodia. This phase of the fighting ended with Hun Sen taking unilateral government power, as Prince Ranariddh was forced from his position as First Prime Minister. The second phase - after Hun Sen took government power - involved government troops against forces loyal to the ousted Prince Ranariddh. The bulk of Prince Ranariddh's forces was comprised of members of his FUNCIPEC party.
Negotiations: NO
Comment on Negotiation: The contacts throughout the year were more intent on making KR troops and leaders defect and join the competing government factions, than discussions about the incompatibility.
Third party involvement: YES
Third party involvement names: Thailand, Malaysia, ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations)
Comment on Third Party Involvement: Thailand and Malaysia provided good office. In October, the foreign ministers of ASEAN mediated in talks with Cambodian leader Hu Sen and the ousted Prime Minister Norodom Ranariddh during the UN General Assembly in New York. They reached an agreement to allow Cambodian politicians living in exile to return home safely under the protection of the UN.
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1998 Conflict Archive
Comment on Activity: In March, it was reported that 1500 Khmer Rouge troops rebelled against the leadership and forced them to flee into Thailand. The government forces nearby took notice and launched an attack on the remaining group.
In December, two of the three remaining leaders of Khmer Rouge surrendered to the government. The remains of the organisation consisted of less than 100 troops.
Fighting also contiuned between the Cambodian government and forces loyal to Prince Norodom Ranariddh, who had been forced from his position as First Prime Minister following a coup by his co-premier Hun Sen in July 1997. The bulk of Ranariddh's forces was comprised of members of his FUNCIPEC party.
Negotiations: YES
Comment on Negotiation: After intervention and mediation by the King Sihanouk, the Forces of Norodom Ranariddh signed General Framework for Peace in the Kingdom of Cambodia, where the events following the coup in July 1997 were considered invalid. The agreement - signed by the opposition leaders Son Sann, Sam Rainsy, Prince Ranariddh, and Buor Hel - acknowledges their respect for the 1991 peace agreement and their acceptance of the results of the upcoming elections. As a consequence, Prince Ranariddh was allowed to return to Cambodia and compete in the elections as head of FUNCINPEC.
Third party involvement: YES
Third party involvement names: Japan, Thailand, ARC (American Refugee Council)
Comment on Third Party Involvement: As one of the major donor countries for Cambodia, Japan was active and instrumental in finding a solution to the political crisis between the exiled FUNCINPEC leadership - the core of the Forces of Norodom Ranariddh - and the government. With the good office of Thailand and the activities of the ARC, an agreement was reached that the 60,000 cambodian refugees in Thailand could return to their homes. After another meeting in Bangkok on 21 Ferburary, Ranariddh declared a ceasefire.
Victory: YES
Victory side: a
Comment on Victory: On 25 December, the head of Khmer Rouge, Khieu Samphan and the political leader Nuon Chea surrendered. They declared a willingness of returning to society and live like "ordinary citizens." The two made no demands and declared themselves willing to respect and recognize the Royal Government of Cambodia.
Terminated: YES
Type of termination: Victory
Date of termination: 1998-12-25
Comment on Termination: On 25 December, the head of Khmer Rouge, Khieu Samphan and the political leader Nuon Chea surrendered. They declared a willingness of returning to society and live like "ordinary citizens." The two made no demands and declared themselves willing to respect and recognize the Royal Government of Cambodia.
1999 Conflict Archive
Terminated: NO
2000 Conflict Archive
Terminated: NO
