Vanuatu chiefs demand PM Napat resign over use of sacred cultural names in foreign deals

Vanuatu’s paramount chiefs have called on Prime Minister Jotham Napat to resign before Independence Day, saying the government used sacred cultural identities without proper consultation.

The chiefs, representing five of Vanuatu’s six provinces, say the names Nakamal and Namele should be removed from foreign agreements with Australia and China because they believe customary leaders were not consulted.

The call was made by Paramount Chief Bong Meleun Tempes, spokesperson for kastom chiefs from Shefa, Malampa, Penama, Sanma and Torba provinces.

Tempes has accused the government of treating cultural symbols as political tools.

The Nakamal Agreement refers to the bilateral agreement signed between Vanuatu and Australia in Canberra on 29 June while the Namele Agreement refers to a proposed development cooperation agreement with China.

Tempes said traditional leaders, including the Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs and Island Councils of Chiefs, should have been consulted before the names were used.

"The government has no right to decide how our custom identities are used," the Daily Post reported.

"Our custom identity is not a commodity. It is the soul of our people, the heritage of our ancestors and the promise we hold for future generations. To sell it cheaply in agreements with foreign powers is to betray the very essence of Vanuatu," the report said.

In Vanuatu, a nakamal is a traditional meeting place where communities gather to discuss issues, resolve disputes and make decisions.

Vanuatu’s agreements with Australia and China have sparked debate over the use of the cultural names Nakamal and Namele, with chiefs calling for greater consultation over kastom identities. Photo/Supplied

The namele leaf is a recognised symbol linked to peace, customary law and respect.

While the Napat government has said the names represent respectful partnerships with other countries, the chiefs argue they carry deeper cultural meaning and cannot be used without the approval of customary authorities.

"This is not a minor oversight. It is a direct affront to the guardians of our culture," Tempes said.

"Yet, the government now treats these sacred identities as bargaining chips in foreign diplomacy.

"Any Prime Minister or government of the day must respect chiefs and the Constitution. Stop trading culture for diplomacy," Tempes said.

The chiefs have set 30 July, Vanuatu’s 46th Independence Day, as the deadline for the Prime Minister to resign.

They say further customary and administrative action will follow if their concerns are not addressed.

The Prime Minister’s Office has previously said the agreements protect Vanuatu’s sovereignty while supporting economic development but has indicated it will not comment on the latest demand.

Meanwhile, China’s Embassy in Vanuatu has distanced itself from the Namele name, saying the proposal came from the Vanuatu government, not Beijing.

The embassy said in a statement that China was now opting to use "Vanuatu-China Cooperation" instead of Namele for the proposed agreement, which has yet to be signed.

The dispute has highlighted a wider question facing many Pacific nations: how governments balance international partnerships with the protection of culture, identity and customary authority.