Vanuatu Renews Claim to Two Islands Held by France Since 1965

Vanuatu has renewed its demand for two small islands located south of its territory that France has controlled since 1965. The islands, known locally as Umaenupne and Umaeneg and labeled Matthew and Hunter on most maps, sit in waters rich in fish and seabirds. Vanuatu’s population is 350,000; France maintains the world’s largest exclusive economic zone at 11 million square kilometres.

Background of the dispute France incorporated the islands into New Caledonia in 1965. Vanuatu asserts that southern islanders from Tanna, Aneityum and Futuna visited the islands long before European contact and that the islands hold spiritual significance as the home of the spirit Matjajiki.

Vanuatu included the islands in its sovereignty legislation at independence in 1980. France’s claim rests on a 1965 administrative decision made by British and French colonial officials without consulting Ni-Vanuatu residents.

” Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat told parliament last month that France had postponed talks twice and withheld historical documents. He said Vanuatu would “defend our sovereignty with determination” and was prepared to pursue other legal avenues.

A New Caledonian trade delegation visited Vanuatu earlier this month. After a pro-independence leader affirmed Vanuatu’s claim to the islands, France’s ambassador commented on social media and New Caledonia suspended trade ties with Vanuatu.

Historical context Australian planter and aviator Bob Paul flew over the islands in 1962 and lodged a private claim. British and French commissioners rejected the claim after internal inquiries and assigned the islands to New Caledonia. No Ni-Vanuatu representatives participated in those 1962–1965 proceedings.

France’s sovereignty has been recognised internationally since the transfer. Vanuatu and Kanak chiefs signed the Keamu Accord in 2009, recognising the islands as belonging to Vanuatu.