The Chairperson of the Pacific Islands Forum and Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, Mark Brown, announced that the Forum Troika-led mission to New Caledonia has been delayed until after the 53rd PIF Leaders meeting in Tonga. Earlier this month, PIF leaders decided to send a mission to New Caledonia in response to unrest that began on May 13.
Brown noted that the mission was originally planned for this week, with the aim of reporting back to Pacific Island Leaders in Tonga. However, the New Caledonia Government raised several concerns regarding due process and protocol that need to be addressed before the Troika visit can occur.
To give more time for these issues to be resolved among Forum Members, the Troika has opted to postpone their mission until after the Tonga meeting. The situation in New Caledonia will be discussed at the Leaders’ meeting, providing further direction on how to assist the area.
Brown mentioned that the Secretariat has been in collaboration with the French State and the New Caledonia Government to ensure the Troika-led mission’s objectives and arrangements align with the expectations of all stakeholders.
The mission was requested by New Caledonia’s President Louis Mapou and received approval from the French State. It will be led by Prime Minister Mark Brown, along with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka of Fiji and Tongan Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni, who together form the current Forum Troika. Brown emphasized the Forum’s commitment to support New Caledonia through this period, including the Troika-led mission at a time mutually agreed upon.