Cambodia’s army changes its head

Hun Sen showing Ke Kim Yan the exit door?
Cambodia's Gen. Ke Kim Yan, left, commander-in-chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, listens to his Prime Minister Hun Sen, right, during the celebration of Independent Day, Nov. 9, 2007, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The head of Cambodia's armed forces has been dismissed from his post and replaced by a loyalist of Prime Minister Hun Sen. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

22 Jan 2009
Cambodge Soir Hebdo
Translated from French by Luc Sâr
Click here to read the article in French

General Ke Kim Yan, the current army commander-in-chief, was sacked to make way for his deputy.
General Ke Kim Yan was replaced at the head of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces by one of his deputies, General Pol Saroeun. The latter will be aided in his new duty by the following generals: Kun Kim, Meas Sophea, Mol Roeup, Chea Dara, Hing Bun Heang, Sao Sokha and Ung Samkhan.

Following this nomination musical chair, General Ung Samkhan will leave his position as chief of the navy to General Tea Vinh.

The nominations were conducted through a royal decree signed by King Norodom Sihamoni on Thursday 22 January.

Khieu Kanharith, the government spokesman, indicated that the replacement of the commander-in-chief was part of the current state reform (sic!). Khieu Kanharith indicated also that “General Ke Kim Yan will stay with the RCAF,” without indicating the new position of the sacked general.