Election of new Vanuatu PM gives new hope for West Papua struggle

A group of West Papua Students say they see the election of Prime Minister of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas as a new horizon in support for West Papua’s struggle to gain more recognition at the international level.

The students are members of the Student Forum Cooperation Clumps of Melanesia (FMKRM) and the United Liberation for West Papua (ULMWP)

They were joined by the administrators of Cenderawasih University Students Consultative Assembly (MPM Uncen) who expressed their sentiments in a message to congratulate Mr Tabimasmas when elected to succeed Sato Kilman at the helm of the national executive power.

"Congratulations to Charlot Salwai. We know he is a simple man. He (Charlot Salwai) and his cabinet are the ones who are always close to us, supporting Papua Merdeka, "said Secretary General ULMWP.

Vanuatu has in the earlier stages been a beacon for West Papua’s struggle. And in 2013, Vanuatu accused the United Nation of consistently ignoring West Papuan people and their plight. Former Prime Minister Moana Carcasses used the opportunity to call on the UN General Assembly to investigate alleged cases of human rights abuses in the Indonesian Province of Papua.

Former Prime Minister and current Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Joe Natuman was also instrumental in facilitating a major reunification summit for West Papuan representative groups that paved the way for their admission into the Melanesian Spearhead Group as an observer.

However, the last year was different after Mr Kilman took over as Prime Minister. After toppling Mr Natuman through a motion of no-confidence, Mr Kilman took a different approach on Papua and was inconspicuous on the issue when it featured at last year’s Pacific Forum summit in Port Moresby. And Mr Natuman admits this approach is not reflective of Vanuatu public opinion.

While Vanuatu under Mr Kilman has stepped back from the issue, support within the MSG for West Papuan self-determination is largely being driven by the MSG's current chair, the prime minister of Solomon Islands, Manasseh Sogavare. Mr Sogavare was the MSG voice where Vanuatu’s voice went silent.

Now the West Papuans including their students, have seen the election of Tabimasmas as a positive sign to moving their plights forward. They said they know that Tabimasmas is a considerate person and understands the Papuan struggle and they are pleased that Mr Natuman who has been a strong supporter, was appointed deputy prime minister.

There are sentiments of hope burning that the newly Prime Minister, Mr. Tabimasmas will re-invigorate the joint MSG on the West Papua issue,  and that with the help of Solomon Islands Prime Minister and West Papua their plights could be pushed further at the international level.

     

Author: 
Harold Obed