The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Troika has decided to delay its mission to New Caledonia until after the 53rd PIF Leaders Meeting in Tonga is completed. The Troika comprises PIF Chairperson and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka of Fiji, and Tonga’s Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni.
Earlier this month, Mr. Brown announced that forum leaders had consented to send a mission led by the Troika following unrest that started on May 13, 2024, in New Caledonia. This initiative was requested by Louis Mapou, the President of the Government of New Caledonia, and was subsequently approved by the French State.
Mr. Brown stated that PIFS is collaborating with the French State and the Government of New Caledonia to ensure that the mission’s goals and arrangements align with the expectations of all stakeholders involved. He also noted that the situation in New Caledonia would be a topic of discussion during the upcoming leaders meeting.