Leaders of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) have reaffirmed their united support for the FLNKS and the Kanak people in their ongoing struggle for independence from France.
Speaking to VBTC News last week upon his return to Vanuatu, Prime Minister Jotham Napat highlighted that this commitment was one of the key outcomes of the 26th MSG Leaders Summit, held recently in Fiji.
“The leaders have continued to strongly support the FLNKS in their journey toward achieving freedom,” Prime Minister Napat said. “Right now, they want to understand the exact position of the FLNKS so that the MSG can move forward together with a clear and united message.”
According to the Prime Minister, the MSG is urging FLNKS to officially communicate their current stance—whether they wish to proceed with another referendum or are requesting support through another political process.
“MSG support is very strong. Leaders are committed to using every available means, every political platform—both regionally and internationally—to push for Kanaky’s freedom,” PM Napat added.
He revealed that once FLNKS provides a written statement of their position, the current MSG Chair, Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, will draft a formal letter with the support of all MSG leaders. This letter will be submitted directly to the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, outlining MSG’s collective stance on the issue.
“That letter, once received by the MSG Secretariat and Chair, will be signed by all MSG Prime Ministers and sent directly to President Macron to express MSG’s position. This is one of the significant outcomes from the summit retreat,” Napat said.
The Prime Minister also confirmed that the MSG leaders have encouraged FLNKS to consider taking their case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), following concerns raised over irregularities during the last referendum process in Kanaky/New Caledonia that led to widespread unrest.
For more than 40 years, the FLNKS and the Kanak people have been fighting to free themselves from colonial rule.
