Vanuatu Opposition Leader Alatoi Ishmael Kalsakau has called on Prime Minister Jotham Napat and Deputy Prime Minister Johnny Koanapo to apologise to the people of Vanuatu over what he described as the mishandling of negotiations with France on the disputed Matthew and Hunter Islands.
Speaking at a press conference in Port Vila, Kalsakau said the Government must first acknowledge whether it had misled the public by suggesting the sovereignty dispute had been resolved in Vanuatu’s favour.
“Before consulting the pioneers of this nation, the Government must first admit whether it lied about the resolution of Matthew and Hunter and whether it misled the people into believing that Vanuatu would regain ownership of the islands,” the Port Vila Member of Parliament said.
The Opposition leader said Prime Minister Napat should use this year’s Independence Day celebrations on 30 July to apologise for comments made during his 2025 Independence address, which it argued created false expectations that the disputed islands would soon return to Vanuatu.
Kalsakau also questioned why responsibility for the negotiations was handed to Deputy Prime Minister Koanapo, arguing the move weakened Vanuatu’s position after previous discussions had been conducted between the Prime Minister of Vanuatu and the President of France.
“The Deputy PM lacks the protocol standing to satisfactorily advance negotiations after discussions had already been elevated to the level of the Prime Minister and the President of France,” he said.
The Opposition said negotiations should not have taken place following New Caledonia’s territorial elections and ahead of France’s presidential election, arguing the French Government had little political incentive to make concessions.
Kalsakau said the Government should also have sought the support of Kanak leaders and the FLNKS before travelling to France.
“The people of New Caledonia are our brothers and sisters and share with us a common interest in the maritime boundaries.
They have already recognised our claim over the islands. It is surprising that neither the Prime Minister nor the Deputy Prime Minister sought their advice and support before attending negotiations,” he said.
He also questioned the composition of the negotiating team, saying the Deputy Prime Minister’s personal connection to South Tanna could have affected perceptions of neutrality and criticised the Government’s reliance on international lawyers.
“The presence and interests of international lawyers at the negotiating table appeared to focus more on preserving legal representation than pursuing a favourable outcome for Vanuatu,” Kalsakau said.
The Opposition is calling on Prime Minister Napat to acknowledge that statements made during his 2025 Independence speech suggesting Matthew and Hunter would return to Vanuatu were inaccurate, for Deputy Prime Minister Koanapo to admit mistakes in the timing and conduct of the negotiations, and for the Government to apologise to the public.
Kalsakau also criticised the Government’s decision to consult pioneers of Vanuatu’s independence movement only after negotiations had broken down, saying the consultations showed the Government had lost momentum and lacked a clear strategy.
“When all these considerations are weighed, contrary to the Deputy PM’s assertions, the trip did not simply become a waste of public funds. More seriously, it represents a vivid display of immaturity by the highest leadership of Vanuatu,” he said.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Napat met with pioneers of Vanuatu’s independence movement, saying the Government would consult them before holding further discussions with people in Tafea Province ahead of deciding its next steps in pursuing Vanuatu’s claim over the islands.
The Government has previously confirmed that negotiations with France have ended and that it is considering alternative options, including possible international legal action.
Responding to the Opposition’s criticism, the Prime Minister’s Office defended the Government’s approach, saying the ministerial-level negotiations were agreed directly between President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Napat during their meeting in France last year.
“The Government notes the questions raised by the Leader of the Opposition regarding our approach to negotiations with France over Matthew and Hunter,” the Prime Minister’s Office said.
“We wish to clarify that the decision to conduct these discussions at the ministerial level was not taken lightly. It was agreed directly between President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Napat during their meeting in France last year.
“The timing was deliberate and strategic. President Macron is the first French President to publicly commit to resolving the issue of Matthew and Hunter.
“It was during Prime Minister Napat’s meeting with President Macron that the two leaders agreed on the appropriate timing and format for negotiations to proceed. Given that clear commitment from the French side, it made sense for Vanuatu to match that level of engagement and move the process forward at the ministerial level.
“This Government remains focused on securing a resolution that protects Vanuatu’s sovereignty and interests, and we will continue to update Parliament and the public on the next steps forward.”
The Prime Minister’s Office said it would provide a fuller response to the Opposition’s concerns at a later stage.
