The Troika Mission Terms of Reference (TOF) has been finalized by the French Special Envoy and New Caledonia officials and will be presented at the Pacific Island Forum Leaders Retreat, as announced by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
In an interview, Mr. Rabuka mentioned that the TOF was sent to Paris for approval and is set to be discussed later today at the retreat in Vava’u, Tonga.
On a related note, members of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) convened on Tuesday evening to strategize collective actions to present to the Pacific Island Forum leaders later this week. Fiji’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, took part in the discussions.
MSG Chair and Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai emphasized the ongoing concerns regarding the welfare and interests of Melanesians in West Papua and other Papuan provinces of Indonesia. He highlighted the importance of maintaining communication with Indonesian authorities to facilitate meetings between MSG leaders and the Indonesian President as soon as possible.
The meeting’s agenda included topics that would be addressed at the PIF, with some issues being exclusive to the MSG. Mr. Salwai also expressed concern over the unrest in New Caledonia, stating that no other group within the PIF has dedicated as much time, effort, and resources to this matter as the MSG.
He insisted that the MSG should lead efforts on this issue, stressing that the Kanaks, the indigenous people of the non-self-governing territory, are members of the MSG. Mr. Salwai concluded by underscoring the significance of advancing the MSG Leaders Dialogue with the President of Indonesia.