Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat says the country’s independence cannot be considered fully complete until sovereignty over its far southern maritime boundary and the islands of Matthew and Hunter is secured.

Speaking in Parliament yesterday, the Prime Minister said Vanuatu’s 46th Independence anniversary in July marks an important milestone, but stressed that the nation’s journey continues.

“This July our nation celebrates 46 years of Independence however our journey to independence is not yet complete, it will only complete when we secure sovereignty over our islands and our land and our seas,” he said.

He added that Vanuatu is made up of 83 islands, including Matthew and Hunter, which he described as sacred and historically connected to Ni-Vanuatu people for generations. He said communities in the southern islands of Aneityum, Futuna, and Tanna maintain strong cultural and ancestral ties to the islands.

The Prime Minister also raised concerns over France’s continued claim over the islands, saying it stems from colonial-era decisions made without consultation with the Ni-Vanuatu people.

“As guardians we have a duty to protect them but France also lays claims to this islands… they consulted neighboring countries and did not consult us,” he told Parliament.

He said Vanuatu maintains a clear position that the islands belong to the country and reiterated that the issue remains unresolved.

There has been no response yet from the French Embassy on the matter.