Melanesia Roundup

SOLOMON ISLANDS Government will appoint a Special Envoy on West Papua and seek West Papua’s admission to the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. Prime Minister Hon Manasseh Sogavare revealed this when the Secretary General of the United Liberation Movement of West Papua (ULMWP), Octovanius Mote met with him at the Prime Minister’s Office last Friday. Mr […]

I recently interviewed Benny Wenda, West Papua’s Independence leader, and am really proud that Profile PNG was able to dedicate an entire show to his struggle to win recognition – and ultimately the right to self-determination – for his people. The West Papua conflict – between the Indonesian Government and indigenous populations of West Papua […]

We are very sad to learn of the tragic death of former Vanuatu Prime Minister and true hero for the West Papuan freedom struggle, Edward Natapei. Mr Natapei was an outspoken supporter of West Papuan liberation and contributed so much towards helping the West Papuan people unite and gain international support for the cause.  Following […]

A Melanesian specialist says the West Papuan nationalist coalition that received observer status at the Melanesian Spearhead Group could follow a similar path to the FLNKS, which represents New Caledonia’s Kanak people. Associate Professor Tarcisius Tara Kabutaulaka, from the University of Hawaii, says while the decision to only grant the group observer status may be […]

After being granted Observer status by the Melanesian Spearhead Group last week, the United Liberation Movement for West Papua is still determined for self-determination. The organisation’s General Secretary, Octo Mote says, there’s still a lot be done. Being granted Observer status, adds a new chapter for the United Liberation Movement for West Papua. A movement […]

The Solomon Islands prime minister has spoken passionately about a bid by the free West Papuan movement to become a member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group. Source: Solomon Islands PM makes emotional speech on West Papua’s MSG bid – Pacific Beat – ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

On the eve of the Melanesian Spearhead Group leaders retreat, the outgoing MSG chair Victor Tutugoro has expressed his support for the West Papuan bid for MSG membership. Source: FLNKS supports West Papuan membership bid – Melanesian Spearhead Group – News – Islands Business magazine

The Chairman of the Vanuatu Christian Council, Bishop James Ligo, calls on the Vanuatu Government to support West Papua Application for full membership in the Melanesian Spearhead Group. Source: West Papua has a rightful place in MSG: VCC Chairman – Vanuatu Daily Post: News

The former Solomon Islands prime minister, Ezekiel Alebua, says the involvement of Indonesia in Melanesian Spearhead Group is a mistake. Source: Former Solomon Islands PM laments MSG leadership | Radio New Zealand News

Indoian officials are lobbying for an upgrade to associate membership of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), while a renewed membership application by a united West Papuan coalition will be discussed at this week’s MSG leaders’ summit in Solomon Islands. Indonesian officials are lobbying for an upgrade to associate membership of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), […]