**Vanuatu Pushes France to Accept ICJ Jurisdiction in Pacific Islands Dispute**
*Published on September 1, 2026*
The Pacific island nation of Vanuatu has formally submitted an application to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in a bid to assert sovereignty over two small islands currently controlled by France. The islands in question are Umaenupne, also known as Matthew Island, and Umaeneg, or Hunter Island. This move is part of a long-standing territorial dispute rooted in the colonial history of the region.
The ICJ, which is based in The Hague, has stated that it will not proceed with Vanuatu's case unless France consents to the court's jurisdiction. France has not accepted the ICJ's compulsory jurisdiction over disputes with other states, which means that the court cannot take any action until France agrees to allow the case to be heard.
Vanuatu's application has been sent to French authorities for consideration. The ICJ has clarified that "no action will be taken in the proceedings unless and until France consents to the Court’s jurisdiction in the case." This stipulation highlights the complexities involved in international legal disputes, particularly when one party has not recognized the court's authority.
The territorial dispute over Matthew and Hunter Islands has been a point of contention since Vanuatu gained independence from joint French and British rule in 1980. Vanuatu argues that its decolonization process remains incomplete until these islands are returned to its control. The islands, which are uninhabited volcanic formations located approximately 300 kilometers (about 190 miles) east of New Caledonia, fall within a broader debate about France's colonial legacy in the Pacific.
The matter has also been politicized in France, where far-right parties have seized upon the issue, accusing President Emmanuel Macron's government of potentially relinquishing French territory. The French government has consistently rejected such claims, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining sovereignty over the islands.
Vanuatu has challenged French sovereignty over the islands since its independence, asserting that the colonial-era arrangement that placed them under French control was made without the consent of the Indigenous population. This argument underscores the ongoing impact of colonialism in the region and the complexities of post-colonial territorial claims.
While the islands themselves are small, the implications of sovereignty extend beyond their landmass to include control over surrounding waters, which are vital for fishing rights and access to seabed resources. The dispute has significant economic and environmental implications, particularly for Vanuatu, which relies heavily on its maritime resources.
In 2025, France and Vanuatu engaged in bilateral negotiations regarding the islands and their maritime boundaries, following previous discussions in 2018 and 2019. However, Vanuatu has indicated that these negotiations reached an impasse earlier this year, prompting the decision to escalate the matter to the ICJ.
The ICJ, recognized as the United Nations' highest court, frequently adjudicates disputes between states, particularly those concerning land and maritime boundaries. The court's involvement in this case could set a precedent for similar disputes in the region and beyond.
As Vanuatu awaits France's response to its application, the situation remains a focal point of diplomatic discussions and a reflection of the lingering effects of colonialism in the Pacific. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for both nations and their respective claims to sovereignty in the region.