Widespread political ructions
The end of the year has seen a rash of political upheavals across the region. In Vanuatu, President Nikenike Vurabaravu has dissolved Parliament. The country is headed for snap general elections in the middle of January. However, the Supreme Court has not determined a constitutional challenge by the former Opposition.
In Tonga, a prolonged period of political tension was expected to come to a head with a motion of no confidence in the Prime Minister to be debated in Parliament. However, just before the motion was to be debated Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni made a tearful speech in which he announced his resignation.
Former Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo has lodged a motion of no confidence in the current Solomon IslandsPM, Jeremiah Manele. He has cited worsening economic conditions and a lack of discipline among government ministers among the reasons to support the motion.
Vanuatu leads verbal submissions at the International Court of Justice
Another milestone was reached in the process of seeking an Advisory Opinion on the responsibilities of global emitters towards countries vulnerable to the effects of climate change with the commencement of two weeks of verbal submissions.
Representatives from Vanuatu and the Melanesian Spearhead Group took the lead in addressing the court. The campaign was started by a group of law students studying at the University of the South Pacific and they were represented by Cynthia Houniuhi from Solomon Islands.
Vanuatu’s climate envoy, Ralph Regenvanu, used his time before the Court to criticise some of the biggest carbon emitters: Australia, China, Saudi Arabia, and the USA. He expressed his disappointment at statements from their representatives who denied that there was any obligation on them to address the effects of climate change beyond their participation in global climate negotiations.
Nauru signs an economic and security treaty with Australia
After months of negotiations, President David Adeang of Nauru and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia announced that their two countries had agreed to the details of the “Nauru-Australia Treaty”.
Unlike the Falepili Union Australia signed with Tuvalu in 2023, this treaty does not create an additional migration pathway to Australia for Nauruan citizens. It includes significant financial commitments by Australia to both budget support and policing and security needs in the country. This is in addition to funds that Nauru already receives by way of development assistance and payments for the regional processing centre located on Nauru.
The text of the treaty, which is expected to be ratified after the Australian elections next year, stipulates certain situations in which Nauru is expected to consult with Australia, including entry into agreements with third countries in relation to critical infrastructure and other security-related activities.
Other Pacific news
In his first overseas trip, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has visited Marshall Islands, Palau, and Tuvalu. They are the remaining Pacific island countries that recognise Taiwan rather than the People’s Republic of China.
The US Secretary of State for Defence, Lloyd Austin, visited Fiji as part of a recent Indo-Pacific tour. The two countries are expected to sign a Status of Forces Agreement as part of enhanced security relations.
The collapse of the French government is expected to have repercussions for New Caledonia. The work on establishing a new political framework for the territory is likely to be further delayed.
In Bougainville, Sir Jerry Mataparae has commenced work as Moderator. He has been given six months to support the PNG and Bougainville governments to progress legislative and administrative arrangements to give effect to the results of the 2019 referendum.
Dr Tess Newton Cain is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the Griffith Asia Institute.
