A RESOLUTION to the long-standing sovereignty dispute over the uninhabited Matthew and Hunter islands appears distant, as Vanuatu accuses France of stalling negotiations just one year before critical French elections.
The two tiny islands, located approximately 500 kilometers southeast of Vanuatu, are claimed by both nations. Vanuatu asserts historical and cultural ties, while France maintains they are part of New Caledonia. Talks finally began in November 2025 but have since been postponed.
Vanuatu’s Prime Minister Jotham Napat has publicly accused the French government of dragging its feet. The stakes are high – with French national elections scheduled for 2027, Vanuatu fears a change in government could derail progress entirely.
Professor of public law Geraldine Giardou said Vanuatu may not get a resolution if the French vote a far-right government into power,
The diplomatic friction worsened last month when Vanuatu hosted members of New Caledonia’s pro-independence FLNKS movement in Port Vila. While Vanuatu’s Special Envoy Glenn Craig had hoped to attract investment in agriculture, tourism, and commercial property, the visit backfired. New Caledonia suspended all trade ties with Vanuatu after a local newspaper quoted FLNKS president Christian Thien asserting that Matthew and Hunter belong to Vanuatu.
The dispute has become a political hot potato in France, particularly among conservative voters. The islands’ Exclusive Economic Zone of 350,000 square kilometers offers valuable fishing license revenues, Giardou said.
The Professor suggested a co-management solution may be the best path forward, allowing local fishermen access while satisfying both nations. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for late June in Paris.
Source: ABC Pacific
