A high-level Pacific delegation will visit New Caledonia ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders (PIF) Meeting in Tonga on August 26. PIF Chair and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown confirmed that the three-person delegation, approved by French President Emmanuel Macron, will assess the situation in New Caledonia in coordination with France.
Tonga’s Prime Minister, Hu’akavameiliku, may not participate due to his responsibilities in preparing for the leaders’ meeting, with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Menele likely to step in. Brown and Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka will be part of the mission.
The visit aims to address recent violence and promote dialogue in New Caledonia, a Forum member and French territory. The timing of the trip is determined by the PIF’s troika members, who are responsible for overseeing the mission.
New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters emphasised the need for a peaceful resolution in New Caledonia, noting that economic stability is also crucial. He hinted that additional delegations might be sent to New Caledonia in the future to support long-term peace efforts.
Meanwhile, New Caledonia’s curfew, which was imposed days after violent unrest broke out on May 13, has been extended until 19 August, the French High Commission said.
