Benny Wenda: Happy 44th Independence Day to Vanuatu

July 30, 2024

On behalf of the people of West Papua, I wish Vanuatu a happy 44th Independence Day.

I was greatly honoured to attend the Independence Day celebrations in Port Vila. The event was a profound display of Melanesian solidarity, as Prime Minister Charlot Salwai acknowledged the ongoing colonial occupations of West Papua and Kanaky. Salwai’s national address honoured the spirit of Vanuatu’s founding father Walter Lini, who said that Vanuatu is not free until all Melanesia is free, including West Papua and Kanaky. On behalf of the ULMWP, I issue thanks to PM Salwai for his steadfast support for West Papua.

The bond between Vanuatu and West Papua is special. West Papuans regard Vanuatu as family: our Melanesian brothers and sisters who have nurtured our freedom struggle as it has matured into a fully-fledged provisional government, ready to run our own affairs. From former PM Barak Sope witnessing the reconciliation of the Free Papua Movement in 1987, to the Saralana Declaration in 2014, Vanuatu has long been the home of the West Papuan struggle.

Vanuatu remains a shining example of a free and prosperous Melanesian nation. In less than 50 years, you have gone from suffering under colonial rule to becoming a world-leader in the fight against climate catastrophe and modern-day imperialism. Being here in Port Vila, I have again been inspired by Vanuatu’s successes and its resolute support for our self-determination.

Like Father Walter Lini, all West Papuans dream of a liberated Melanesia. We know that our independence is coming, and that one day soon we will stand shoulder to shoulder with Vanuatu as a free nation.

God bless Vanuatu.

Benny Wenda 
President
ULMWP