The surprise withdrawal of Kiribati from the Pacific Islands Forum has dealt a heavy blow to the regional body—the peak intergovernmental organisation in the region.
The move comes amid ongoing dissatisfaction from Micronesian countries in the Forum, a festering issue that has erupted amid Beijing’s ongoing influence in the region.
On July 10, news of Kiribati’s decision emerged when TVNZ published a letter from President Taneti Maamau to Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General Henry Puna. Maamau pointed to ongoing dissatisfaction with the running of the organization and the sidelining of Micronesia as the reason for his withdrawal.
“Solidarity and unity as a region is dependent on how we treat each other with profound respect and understanding as we work through the challenges that we face,” according to his letter….