Vanuatu launches UN campaign and comes under attack
Vanuatu has launched a major diplomatic campaign at the UN to secure a resolution to endorse the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice that was handed down last year. The zero draft was introduced by a group of countries, including some that are most affected by the impacts of climate change. However, this has been met with a counter-campaign by the USA. The Trump administration has reportedly asked other countries to put pressure on Vanuatu to withdraw the resolution.
Bougainville government signs mining deal with Indian partner
The Bougainville government has signed a deal with Indian company, Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd to reopen the Panguna gold and copper mine. The details have not been made public. The reopening of the mine is seen as the economic underpinning of independence for Bougainville. However, there are significant environmental and social sensitivities associated with this. Landowners and other stakeholders are concerned about a lack of transparency around this new arrangement.
Tonga government sets ambitious targets
In Tonga, the new Prime Minister, Lord Fakafanua has set out his government’s 100-day plan. It includes a range of ambitious targets focused on improved efficiency in the public service and increased generation of public revenue. The PM has also said that he wants to see more cooperation between the government and the private sector. Addressing the visa restrictions introduced by the USA is also “front of mind” for Lord Fakafanua’s government.
Pervasive corruption in PNG ahead of elections in 2027
The latest Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index has seen Papua New Guinea’s score drop by four points to 26 out of 100. The score is 19 points lower than the Asia-Pacific average. This comes as the country heads towards elections next year. Transparency International PNG has said that the trend of the scores on the Index is directly linked to the electoral cycle, with perceptions of corruption worsening in the years that the country goes to the polls.
