The Terms of Reference (TOF) for the Troika Mission have been finalized by the French Special Envoy alongside officials from New Caledonia and will be presented at the Pacific Island Forum Leaders Retreat, according to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. In an interview, Rabuka mentioned that the TOF was sent to Paris for approval and is set to be introduced at the retreat taking place in Vava’u, Tonga.
On another note, members of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) convened on Tuesday evening to discuss and formulate a unified strategy to present to the Pacific Island Forum leaders later this week, with discussions anticipated to continue today. Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, Fiji’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, represented Fiji at this meeting.
MSG Chair and Vanuatu’s Prime Minister Charlot Salwai highlighted the ongoing concerns regarding the welfare of Melanesians in West Papua and other Indonesian provinces. Salwai emphasized the need for the Secretariat to stay connected with Indonesian authorities to facilitate meetings between MSG leaders and the Indonesian President as soon as possible.
The meeting’s agenda centered around key topics to be addressed at the Pacific Island Forum, including certain issues exclusive to the MSG. Salwai noted that the unrest in New Caledonia remains a pressing issue for the MSG, stating, “No other group in the PIF has dedicated as much time, effort, and resources to this matter as the MSG.” He asserted that the MSG must take a leading role in addressing this situation, as the Kanaks, the affected indigenous population, are members of the MSG.
He further stressed that the MSG Leaders Dialogue with the Indonesian President is a significant initiative that must be prioritized.