The NGO Coalition on Human Rights in Fiji (NGOCHR) has called on Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka as the new chair of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) to “uphold justice, stability and security” for Kanaky New Caledonia and West Papua.

In a statement today after last week’s MSG leaders’ summit in Suva, the coalition also warned over Indonesia’s “chequebook diplomacy” as an obstacle for the self-determination aspirations of Melanesian peoples not yet independent.

Indonesia is a controversial associate member of the MSG in what is widely seen in the region as a “complication” for the regional Melanesian body.

• READ MORE: ‘Don’t surrender’ to Indonesian pressure over West Papua, Bomanak warns MSG
• Other MSG reports

The statement said that with Rabuka’s “extensive experience as a seasoned statesman in the Pacific, we hope that this second chapter will chart a different course, one rooted in genuine commitment to uphold justice, stability and security for all our Melanesian brothers and sisters in Kanaky New Caledonia and West Papua”.

The coalition said the summit’s theme, “A peaceful and prosperous Melanesia”, served as a reminder that even after several decades of regional bilaterals, “our Melanesian leaders have made little to no progress in fulfilling its purpose in the region — to support the independence and sovereignty of all Melanesians”.

“Fiji, as incoming chair, inherits the unfinished work of the MSG. As rightly stated by the late great Father Walter Lini, ‘We will not be free until all of Melanesia is free”, the statement said.

“The challenges for Fiji’s chair to meet the goals of the MSG are complex and made more complicated by the inclusion of Indonesia as an associate member in 2015.

‘Indonesia active repression’
“Indonesia plays an active role in the ongoing repression of West Papuans in their desire for independence. Their associate member status provides a particular obstacle for Fiji as chair in furthering the self-determination goals of the MSG.”

Complicating matters further was the asymmetry in the relationship between Indonesia and the rest of the MSG members, the statement said.

“As a donor government and emerging economic power, Indonesia’s ‘chequebook and cultural diplomacy’ continues to wield significant influence across the region.

“Its status as an associate member of the MSG raises serious concerns about whether it is appropriate, as this pathway risks further marginalising the voices of our West Papuan sisters and brothers.”

This defeated the “whole purpose of the MSG: ‘Excelling together towards a progressive and prosperous Melanesia’.”

The coalition acknowledged Rabuka’s longstanding commitment to the people of Kanaky New Caledonia. A relationship and shared journey that had been forged since 1989.

‘Stark reminder’
The pro-independence riots of May 2024 served as a “stark reminder that much work remains to be done to realise the full aspirations of the Kanak people”.

As the Pacific awaited a “hopeful and favourable outcome” from the Troika Plus mission to Kanaky New Caledonia, the coalition said that it trusted Rabuka to “carry forward the voices, struggles, dreams and enduring aspirations of the people of Kanaky New Caledonia”.

The statement called on Rabuka as the new chair of MSG to:

• Ensure the core founding values, and mission of the MSG are upheld;
• Re-evaluate Indonesia’s appropriateness as an associate member of the MSG; and
• Elevate discussions on West Papua and Kanaky New Caledonia at the MSG level and through discussions at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders.

The Fiji NGO Coalition on Human Rights (NGOCHR) represents the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (chair), Fiji Women’s Rights Movement, Citizens’ Constitutional Forum, femLINKpacific, Social Empowerment and Education Program, and Diverse Voices and Action (DIVA) for Equality Fiji. Pacific Network on Globalisation (PANG) is an observer.

Motarilavoa Hilda Lini, a pioneering Ni-Vanuatu politician, has died.

Lini passed away at the Port Vila General Hospital on Sunday, according to local news media.

Lini was the first woman to be elected to the Vanuatu Parliament in 1987 as a member of the National United Party.

She went on to become the country’s first female minister in 1991 after being appointed as the Minister for Health and Rural Water Supplies. She held several ministerial portfolios until the late 1990s, serving three terms in Parliament.

While Health Minister, she helped to persuade the World Health Organisation to bring the question of the legality of nuclear weapons to the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

She received the Nuclear-Free Future Award in 2005.

She was the sister of the late Father Walter Lini, who is regarded as the country’s founding father.

Chief of the Turaga nation
She was a chief of the Turaga nation of Pentecost Island in Vanuatu.

“On behalf of the government, we wish to extend our deepest condolences to the Lini family for the passing of late Motarilavoa Hilda Lini — one of the first to break through our male-dominated Parliament during those hey days,” the Vanuatu Ministry for the Prime Minister said in a statement today.

“She later championed many causes, including a Nuclear-Free Pacific. Rest in Peace soldier, for you have fought a great fight.

In a condolence message posted on Facebook, Vanuatu’s Speaker Stephen Dorrick Felix Ma Au Malfes said Lini was “a trailblazer who paved the way for women in leadership and politics in Vanuatu”.

“Her courage, dedication, and vision inspired many and have left an indelible mark on the history of our nation.

“As Vanuatu continues to grow and celebrate its independence, her story and contributions will forever be remembered and honoured. She has left behind a legacy filled with wisdom, strength, and cherished memories that we will carry with us always.”

A Vanuatu human rights women’s rights advocate, Anne Pakoa, said Lini was a “Pacific hero”.

‘Wise and humble leader’
“She was a woman of integrity, a prestigious, wise and yet very humble woman leader,” Pakoa wrote in a Facebook post.

Port Vila MP Marie Louise Milne, the third woman to represent the capital in Parliament after the late Lini and the late Maria Crowby, said “Lini was more than a leader”.

“She was a pioneer . . . serving our country with strength, dignity, and an unshakable commitment to justice and peace. She carried her chiefly title with pride, wisdom, and purpose, always serving with the voice of a true daughter of the land,” Milne said.

“I remember her powerful presence at the Independence Day flag-raising ceremonies, calling me ‘Marie Louise’ in her firm, commanding tone — a voice that resonated with leadership and care.”

“Though I am not in Port Vila to pay my last respects in person, I carry her memory with me in my heart, in my work, and in my prayers. My thoughts are with the Lini family and all who mourn this national loss.”

She said Lini’s legacy lives on in every woman who rises to serve, in every ni-Vanuatu who believes in justice and unity.

“She will forever remain a symbol of strength for Vanuatu and for all Melanesian women.”

Motarilavoa Hilda Lini will be buried in North Pentecost tomorrow.

This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

More than 20,000 people have marched through Port Vila for the opening of Vanuatu’s 40th Independence Anniversary celebrations.

The parade started in the Tagabe area and finished four and a half hours later at the Independence Park.

It began with a ceremony at the march starting point where a Vanuatu flag was handed over from family of the first Prime Minister, Father Walter Lini, to the family of the second Prime Minister, Donald Kalpokas.

The flag was handed to representatives of successive prime ministers with the last station seeing Charlot Salwai present to current Prime Minister Bob Loughman.

At Independence Park, the National Council of Chiefs, Malvatumauri, thanked the chiefs of Efate for hosting the event in the capital.

The Malvatumauri also performed a ceremony for Prime Minister Loughman as a token of appreciation for the government’s service to the people of Vanuatu.

The country is holding a nine-day public holiday to mark the independence celebrations.

Independence Day is next Thursday.

This article is republished by the Pacific Media Centre under a partnership agreement with RNZ.

The former president of the National United Party (NUP) and one time former Prime Minister, Ham Lini Vanuaroroa, succeeded his brother, the late Father Walter H. Lini, in the year 2000.

Father Walter Lini, Vanuatu’s first Prime Minister died in 1999 after his reign as the country’s first Prime Minister for two consecutive terms.

Ham Lini remained as a Member of Parliament for Pentecost for 20 years, and served as Prime Minister and State Minister. He ran for Parliament again on 19 March 2020, but did not make it.

READ MORE: Vanuatu Parliament sits today to form coalition government

In a humble message to the people of his constituency, Ham Lini Vanuaroroa recalled his and his brother’s footsteps in a political journey added up to 40 years in total between him and his brother.

He spoke to the Vanuatu Daily Post and recounted the four decades of political leadership shared with his brother through challenging and difficult times.

Ham Lini also suggested that instead of forming a coalition government in Parliament today, the MPs should consider forming a government of national unity “where they can really unite for a purpos” and “build people’s confidence” in the wake of last week’s Cyclone Harold devastation and the crisis for tourism caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Thank you message
“As outgoing Member of Parliament I would like to thank the chiefs of North Pentecost and all the voters for continuing to have confidence in my leadership and voting for me since 1999.

“Because of you, I had the opportunity to be in Parliament and in government for the past 20 years. I wish to state that I accept the results of the 2020 general elections and have no regrets for missing out this time.

“May I also take this opportunity to congratulate the incoming members of Parliament for Pentecost — the current Prime Minister Charlot Salwai, Mark Muelsul, Silas Bule and Ephraim Boe.

“I succeeded my brother, the late Father Walter Lini in Parliament in 1999 when he passed away. In 2000, I also succeeded him as president of the National United Party (NUP), a party that he led. I told everyone with emotion at that time not to expect me to be the same as my brother because I am a different person with a different personality and I will never be the same as Father Walter Lini.

“However, I respected his seat and continued to represent his people on North Pentecost with care and pride as MP and in government. In total, we occupied the seat for 44 years.

“What is unique about this seat is the historical significance it holds to the original occupant, the late Father Walter Lini. He was first elected to the legislature in 1975 when universal suffrage was first introduced to the New Hebrides.

“He continued to represent Pentecost in Parliament after independence as mandated by the chiefs for a total of 24 years. My hope is that those of us who occupy this historical seat continue to treat it with respect, humility and responsibility at all times as Father Walter Lini graciously did.

Indigenous leadership
“Leadership in Melanesian indigenous system is a responsibility for life. We both attained the highest chiefly title known as Vuhunana and very much respected our relationships with the chiefly system, the system that nurtures, guides and shapes us as leaders.

“I have been very fortunate for getting endorsement and regular guidance from chiefs on traditional Melanesian values and development issues. Chiefs have been there for me at all times. On two occasions when I indicated stepping down, they did not agree. In 2019, they gave me another mandate to contest the 2020 elections.

“My leadership began after I graduated from Honiara Technical Institute in Solomon Islands with Diploma in Architecture and Building. I started my career in 1974 as an architect, builder and carpenter mainly in the northern islands. With limited number of graduates in the community my leadership was quickly noticed.

“I became a community leader in various programmes, such as leading the famous Huarere String Band, managing the Arato Football Club and leading the young people with technical support for independence.

“In 1984, I was elected councilor in Pentecost Island Council and became president of the Council in 1987. In 1993, I became first president of PENAMA Provincial Council, a position I occupied until 1999 when I was elected to Parliament.

“Historically the National United Party or NUP formed the first coalition government with the Union of Moderate Parties in 1991. Since then NUP has been a partner in almost all coalition governments.

“In 2004, NUP won 10 seats in general elections and commanded the largest party in parliament. I became Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Internal Affairs. A few months later I became Prime Minister after ousting my predecessor Serge Vohor for unilaterally declaring the establishment of diplomatic relations with Taiwan without the Council of Ministers’ decision.

One China policy
“Vanuatu Government later normalised full diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China in respect to their one China policy.

“During my leadership as Prime Minister I completed the implementation of the Melanesian way of peace making between the Vanuatu government and chiefs in all the islands of Vanuatu, as initially discussed between Father Walter Lini (late) and Jimmy Moli Stevens (late) at the Maliudu Nakamal in 1990, for events relating to the 1980 Santo Rebellion.

“I also made peace with the family and the chiefs of Alexis Ioulu (late) on Tanna and led peace ceremony relating to the death of a Solomon Islands USP student. This led to the Melanesian system of adopting the MSG members states by the six provinces of Vanuatu. As PM I also launched the Year of Traditional Economy and Currency and continued as advocate and practitioner of cultural values which uphold the principles of peace.

“I used the Melanesian way to dialogue with Fiji Interim Government to bring Fiji into the MSG and I officiated the opening of the Melanesian Spearhead Group Secretariat.

“In addition, I signed on behalf of Vanuatu as the only Pacific recipient of the United States Millennium Challenge Fund, the Regional Seasonal Employment scheme, and with President Jacques Chirac the official establishment of Vanuatu Relationship with La Francophonie. The biggest challenge in my leadership was surviving a number of motions of no confidence.

“In 2009 – 2012 I was Minister for Transport and Public Utilities and later became Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice and Social Welfare. In 2012 – 2014 I became Deputy Prime Minister and Minister responsible for Trade, Commerce, Industries and Tourism.

“I led the final phase of Vanuatu accession to full membership of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and its implementation. I also launched the Vanuatu Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) office and the Vanuatu Tourism Brand.

First climate change minister
“In 2016, I was appointed first Vanuatu Minister of Climate Change, Meteorological Services and Management of Natural Disasters, a position I held until August of 2019. In the latter part of 2019 I was appointed Special Envoy for Natural Disasters.

“In commemorating Lini Day on 21 February 2020, I as Vuhunan Vanuaroroa in Raga chiefly society launched three major projects — Laone Tahigoro or marine conservation and restoration of natural habitat in partnership with the Vanuatu Government; Dr Father Walter Hadye Lini (late) Memorial Museum in partnership with PENAMA Province and the Second Cycle of Doctor Father Walter Hadye Lini (late) Memorial College in partnership with the Anglican Diocese of Vanuatu.

“At the end of March 2020, I launched the implementation of Tohurihuri, a concept initiated by Father Walter Lini (late) immediately after independence. The concept is founded on traditional Melanesian values and systems for self-reliance and independence.

“During my leadership in government, I led a policy direction which included self-discipline, good governance, transparency, anti-corruption and political stability. I believe I had contributed as much as I could to Vanuatu, especially in maintaining Government stability in coalition governments.

“I respected all MPs and built good relationship with them all. As leaders, I believe we have the freedom of choice and we are familiar with our custom law, the Ten Commandments, the Constitution, the Leadership Code and all laws of the land. I felt I had no right to impose disciplinary actions when leaders break the laws or decide to move away from NUP to other political parties.

“I am grateful to all Heads of State for awarding me with Medals of Honour in recognition of my contribution and sacrifice in leadership. I would also like to thank the government of Papua New Guinea for awarding me with ‘Star of Melanesia’ and to Father Moon for awarding me ‘World Peace Award’.

“Finally, I wish to see the People of Vanuatu continue to be self-reliant, confident and enjoy the natural wellbeing.

Another option
“I hope that political parties recognise that coalition government is only one option when no political party secures majority seats in general elections.

“I believe all big and small political groups should consider forming a government of national unity where they can really unite for a purpose. They can find solutions to development needs, build people’s confidence and restore dignity and stability for community wellbeing.

“My message to the Electoral Office is to ensure that the Area Council Administrators oversee the electoral process starting from the registration of voters until counting of the votes. I had observed at the polling stations a big number of people sadly turned away from participating in democratic process because they were not properly registered and had no one available to consult on issues of invalid electoral cards.

“Finally, I would like to wish all members of the 12th Legislature of Vanuatu all the best during their term in office”.

Vanuatu Daily Post articles are republished with permission.

The Vanuatu government has appointed Lora Lini, daughter of founding prime minister Father Walter Lini, as special envoy for West Papua.

United Liberation Movement of West Papua (ULMWP) spokesperson Jacob Rumbiak welcomed the move, saying “we are pleased and impressed”.

He thanked Foreign Minister Ralph Regenvanu for the appointment “at this pivotal moment in our struggle”.

The appointment comes at a critical time when the Melanesian Spearhead Group and Pacific governments are divided over the West Papuan self-determination and independence issues. Laura Lini previously worked in the MSG secretariat in Port Vila.

“Melanesian sovereignty runs deep in the veins of all ni-Vanuatu, and especially in Laura’s family,” said Rumbiak.

“In the 1970s, both West Papua and Vanuatu were struggling for their independence.

“Vanuatu got there first and it was Laura’s father, as Prime Minister, who pledged not to abandon West Papua or the Kanaks of New Caledonia.

‘Promised solidarity’
“He acknowledged our kinship and he promised solidarity with our struggle. Now, with this appointment of his daughter to our cause, we are reaping the harvest of his sagacity.

Rumbiak accused Indonesia of causing “much suffering in Vanuatu” by trying to undermine this loyalty.

“We know that the [Indonesian] government has used millions of dollars, money so badly needed by its own impoverished citizens, to disrupt your political institutions, to tear families apart, to wreck the lives of good and capable people,” he said.

“But we know that your ancestors are from our homeland and that your chiefs would never abandon us; and that our faith and your faith in God’s preference for justice, peace, and love will, ultimately, prevail.

“There is now just one more river to cross before West Papua rejoins the international community of nations, and that is to be listed on the UN decolonisation agenda.

“Laura’s life will be busy and stressful, maybe, sometimes, overwhelming. But with her passion and dedication lending strength to the determination of all West Papuans to be free, we will succeed in getting the job done.

“Then we will return her to her family and her country with the gratitude of a proud and independent nation,” Rumbiak added.

The Vanuatu Independent is a weekly newspaper with an online edition.

• Vanuatu seeks Forum help for West Papua

Prime Minister Charlot Salwai paid a moving tribute to the late Father Walter Lini’s leadership of Vanuatu at the Anglican Church, Tagabe, today.

The anniversary memorial service was also attended by the Head of State, President Baldwin Lonsdale, and other community leaders.

Prime Minister Salwai had just returned from the home island, Pentecost, he shared with the country’s first Prime Minister. He regretted that there was no national body in place to determine how the Vanuatu people should keep such anniversaries as Lini Day and Constitution Day.

He vowed that government must see such an institution created.

Lini Day would be the day to mark leadership, Salwai said.

The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the Anglican Church for organising the service of worship in the company of Mary Lini and other members of the Lini family.

Father Walter Lini’s breaking through a particular horizon was Prime Minister Salwai’s main theme.

“This action guaranteed independence and the freedom we hold good today,” Salwai said.

‘Stand up strong’
“We must stand up strong to continue to maintain our independence into the future as this is what we want.”

Prime Minister Charlot Salwai saw it as equally important to pay tribute to the others who also “broke the horizon” to achieve Vanuatu’s independence and those who had carried the ideals of independence forward until today.

Salwai spoke of an issue still to be resolved – that of Vanuatu’s borders.

The border with Solomon Islands was resolved last year, but still remaining to be settled were the frontiers with Fiji and New Caledonia.

“They are still part of the struggle for independence which must be completed,” Salwai said.

• Father Walter Lini wrote the forward to PMC director David Robie’s book Eyes of Fire.