Pacific leaders convene in Tonga amid critical regional challenges

RFI

26 August 2024 at 11:21 am·1-min read

Pacific leaders have gathered in Tonga for the annual Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), a meeting facing significant logistical hurdles and which is overshadowed by growing tensions between the world's superpowers.

Tonga faced significant obstacles in preparing for the event as it is still recovering from the 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption, which caused widespread damage.

To accommodate the influx of delegates for the four-day meeting, Tonga’s government built over 100 prefabricated homes and capital, Nuku’alofa has seen a surge in demand for accommodations, with every available room booked for the week.

Additional efforts have included rounding up stray dogs and improving public spaces to ensure the event runs smoothly.

New Caledonia

The forum’s agenda includes the political instability in New Caledonia, a French territory where tensions have risen following the third independence referendum.

Pacific leaders are divided on how to approach the issue, with some advocating for a mediation role while others say that interference may spark more.

Pacific leaders postpone mission to New Caledonia over reported spat

France remains reluctant to external intervention, complicating efforts by Pacific island nations to play a constructive role.

Major resolutions seem unlikely until leaders do conduct further fact-finding missions.

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New Caledonia

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