Latest news in Kiribati? September 4th, 2026

Key developments and news concerning Kiribati around early September 2026:

• Disposal of WWII Munitions: Personnel from the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) arrived in Kiribati for a joint operation with the Kiribati Police to safely remove and dispose of more than 400 pieces of World War II-era unexploded ordnance (UXO). The munitions are being relocated from Bonnyman’s Bunker in Betio to an isolated sandbar for controlled demolition. New Zealand Defence Force
• Pacific Islands Forum Representation: During the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders’ summit running through September 4 in Palau, Kiribati President Taneti Maamau did not attend in person, citing flight availability issues, with the country represented on the ground by its former ambassador to China. Kiribati’s geopolitical positioning and participation remained a focal point of discussion amid broader regional diplomatic tensions. World Socialist Web Site
• Public Health (Dengue Outbreak Subsiding): Regional public health updates reported that the prolonged dengue fever outbreak (DENV-1 and DENV-2) centered in South Tarawa has largely slowed down, with transmission dropping to minimal levels following over a year of response efforts.
• Climate Resilience and Coastal Defense: Kiribati continues its administrative push to secure international funds under the Green Climate Fund (GCF) framework, prioritizing coastal protection infrastructure, water security, and resilience planning across its low-lying atolls. Global Green Growth Institute