The Chairperson of the Pacific Islands Forum and Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, Mark Brown, announced that the mission to New Caledonia led by the Forum Troika has been postponed until after the upcoming 53rd PIF Leaders meeting in Tonga.
In a statement, Brown noted that PIF leaders had agreed earlier this month to send a Troika-led mission to New Caledonia following unrest that began on May 13. The mission was originally scheduled for this week, with plans to report back to Pacific Island leaders at the meeting in Tonga.
However, Brown explained that the New Caledonia Government has raised several concerns regarding due process and protocol that need to be resolved before the Troika can visit. To allow time to address these issues, the Troika decided to postpone the mission until after the Tonga meeting.
Brown also mentioned that the situation in New Caledonia would be a topic of discussion at the Leaders’ meeting, where further guidance will be provided on how to best support the region.
The Secretariat has been collaborating with the French State and the Government of New Caledonia to ensure that the objectives and arrangements for the Troika-led mission align with the expectations of all stakeholders involved.
The mission was requested by New Caledonia’s President Louis Mapou and received approval from the French government. It will be led by Prime Minister Mark Brown, alongside Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Tongan PM Siaosi Sovaleni, who currently make up the Forum Troika.
Brown reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to supporting New Caledonia during this challenging time, including through the forthcoming Troika-led mission at a mutually agreed upon schedule.