Latest news in Vanuatu? September 4th, 2026

The most significant recent news in Vanuatu surrounds a major international legal move against France, alongside regional diplomatic and domestic developments:

• International Court of Justice (ICJ) Case Against France: Vanuatu formally initiated proceedings against France at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. The legal dispute centers on sovereignty over the uninhabited Matthew (Umaenupne) and Hunter (Umaeneg/Leka) Islands and the delimitation of the maritime boundary between Vanuatu and French-governed New Caledonia. Deputy Prime Minister Johnny Koanapo announced that decades of bilateral talks had failed, making judicial determination necessary. France responded via the Pacific Islands Forum that it will not relinquish sovereignty, while the ICJ noted that further proceedings will depend on France consenting to the court’s jurisdiction. Anadolu Ajansı+ 2
• Pacific Islands Forum Representation: At the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Palau, Vanuatu was among several Pacific nations represented by ministerial delegations rather than heads of government, amidst broader regional discussions focusing on climate accountability, maritime zone security, and regional geopolitics. Island Times News
• Domestic Agricultural & Economic Support: Domestically, the Ministry of Trade and Commerce announced support measures for the kava supply chain on Ambae island to mitigate the impact of recent volcanic ashfall disrupting local growers. Concurrently, the Vanuatu Foreign Investment Promotion Agency launched the preliminary phases of its digital “eBusiness Link” platform aimed at streamlining foreign investment and regulatory approvals. Vanuatu Business Review+ 1