The Forum Troika Plus Mission to New Caledonia is set to occur from October 27 to October 29, following the directive from the Forum Leaders at the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Tonga in August. This high-level mission will be strictly observational, aligning with the request of the New Caledonian government and adhering to terms agreed upon by the French State and the New Caledonia government, with the endorsement of Forum Leaders.
Leading the mission will be the Chairperson of the Pacific Islands Forum and Tongan Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, accompanied by fellow leaders Mark Brown, Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, and Sitiveni Rabuka, Prime Minister of Fiji. They will also be joined by Peter-Shanel Agovaka, the Solomon Islands Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade.
Prime Minister Sovaleni expressed the ongoing support for the people of New Caledonia, particularly after the unrest earlier this year. He emphasized the importance of this mission, stating, “This mission highlights the value of the region in coming together to help each other in times of need.”
The leaders will be guided by the Secretary General of the Forum, Baron Waqa, along with senior officials, who will facilitate discussions under the guidance of both the French State and New Caledonia government. Their itinerary includes a tour of Noumea and meetings with various stakeholders who have been affected by the recent unrest, including political parties, youth groups, and communities, as well as representatives from the private, health, and education sectors.
This mission is critical for navigating the complex political landscape of New Caledonia and addressing ongoing social and economic issues. By engaging with local perspectives, the Forum aims to support meaningful dialogue regarding New Caledonia’s future while respecting its current political status.
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