Free West Papua

Sapolu joined a vocal group of supporters of the Free West Papua Movement in a peaceful protest this morning outside Sheraton Aggie Greys Hotel in Apia, which is the venue of the 48th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Summit.

“We have to stand up because if we don’t, no one will. Let us talk about the freedom for the indigenous people of West Papua, of all Pacific islands, Unasa told journalists.

With over 10 years of performance, this will be his first act in the Vanuatu’s annual cultural event which features local and international artists.

The 32 year old is using this opportunity to share the message and advocate for PNG’s closest neighbour, West Papua in its fight for freedom from Indonesia.

He added this performance will aim to impart a positive message.

“It's never about me but about the message. I'm just a vessel to inspire and motivate the youth,” he said.

The PNG Union for Free West Papua leaders are gathered and ready to go as supporters are coming into the park area.

Union leader Kenn Mondia says that the convoy will go as planned but advises that they will give more time for supporters to gather and boost  numbers ahead of taking to the streets.

The convoy is set to take to the streets of Port Moresby to drum up public support and create awareness on the West Papua agenda and talk on the recent stance taken by the PNG Government and other Pacific countries during the current Pacific Islands Forum.

It has recommend that it becomes one of the five priority issues to be the agenda of the Pacific Forum Leaders when they meet in Papua New Guinea next month.

The recommendation will go before the Forum Officials Committee (FOC) for a final endorsement, when it meets in Suva next week.

SSCR documents obtained by PACNEWS reveal the Sub-Committee decided to act after an ‘increasing groundswell of support in the region for the people of West Papua, reflected in part by the media, particularly social media.’

The organisation’s General Secretary, Octo Mote says, there’s still a lot be done.

Being granted Observer status, adds a new chapter for the United Liberation Movement for West Papua.

A movement that champions self-determination.

Last week’s ruling by the MSG has boosted the confidence of the Movement.

Among the marchers were community leaders, politicians, church ministers and youth advocates.
 
Journalists estimated the crowd at over 200 that marched from the town's central market to the main government building, not far from the office of Prime Minister Mannaseh Sogavare.
 
One of Sogavare's daughters and a niece were among the pro-West Papua marchers, and it came a day after Sogavare announced that his government would not support the West Papua pro-independence's application for full membership of the MSG.
 

Among the marchers were community leaders, politicians, church ministers and youth advocates.

Journalists estimated the crowd at over 200 that marched from the town's central market to the main government building, not far from the office of Prime Minister Mannaseh Sogavare.

One of Sogavare's daughters and a niece were among the pro-West Papua marchers, and it came a day after Sogavare announced that his government would not support the West Papua pro-independence's application for full membership of the MSG.