Mark Brown, the Chairperson of the Pacific Islands Forum and Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, 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 reached a consensus to send a Troika-led mission to New Caledonia in response to the unrest that began on May 13. This mission was initially slated for this week, with the intention of reporting back to the Pacific Island Leaders during the upcoming meeting in Tonga.
However, Prime Minister Brown indicated that the government of New Caledonia has raised several concerns regarding due process and protocol that must be resolved prior to the Troika’s visit. To address these issues adequately, the Forum Troika has opted to postpone their mission until after the Tonga meeting.
The situation in New Caledonia is set to be a subject of discussion during the Leaders’ meeting, where further assistance will be outlined to support the region. Brown stated that the Forum Secretariat has been collaborating with both the French State and the Government of New Caledonia to ensure that the mission’s objectives and arrangements 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 State. It will be led by the current members of the Forum Troika: Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka of Fiji, and Tongan Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni.
Brown reiterated the Forum’s unwavering commitment to supporting New Caledonia during this challenging period, including through the Troika-led mission at a mutually agreed upon time.