A high-level Forum Troika Plus Mission to New Caledonia is set to take place from October 27 to October 29, following a mandate from Forum Leaders at the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum meeting held in Tonga in August. The mission is purely observational, aligning with a request from the New Caledonian government and adhering to the Terms of Reference established in collaboration with the French State and endorsed by Forum Leaders.
Leading the mission is Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, the Chairperson of the Pacific Islands Forum and Prime Minister of Tonga. He will be accompanied by other leaders, including Mark Brown, Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, and Sitiveni Rabuka, Prime Minister of Fiji, along with Peter-Shanel Agovaka, the Solomon Islands Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade.
Prime Minister Sovaleni expressed his ongoing concern for the people of New Caledonia since the unrest experienced earlier this year, reaffirming continuous support from the region. He remarked on the significance of this mission, especially after discussions among leaders last month, emphasizing the importance of regional unity in times of crisis.
The Forum Leaders will work alongside Secretary General Baron Waqa and senior officials, who will assist in navigating the mission under the supervision of both the French State and the New Caledonian government. The delegation will visit Noumea and engage with various stakeholders affected by the recent unrest, including political parties, youth, and community members, as well as representatives from the private sector, health, and education.
This mission is crucial in addressing New Caledonia’s complex political landscape and ongoing social and economic issues. By gaining insights into local viewpoints, the Forum aims to facilitate continued dialogue regarding New Caledonia’s future while respecting its current circumstances.
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