Latest news in Vanuatu? September 28th, 2026

Here is the latest news regarding Vanuatu as of late September 2026:

• National Remembrance for Maritime Tragedies: Prime Minister Jotham Napat, along with government ministers, traditional leaders, and families, gathered at Feiawa Park for a national remembrance service honoring the 45 lives lost at sea in recent weeks. This included a tribute to the victims of the inter-island vessel MV Matui, which sank in heavy seas between Santo and Ambae on September 11, leaving dozens missing, as well as lives lost in other recent boat incidents.

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• ICJ Territorial Dispute With France: Vanuatu has formally moved to bring its decades-old sovereignty dispute with France over the uninhabited Matthew and Hunter islands before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Because France has not accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the court, the matter has been sent to Paris to determine whether France will consent to the proceedings.

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