| WALLIS AND FUTUNA Territory of the Wallis and Futuna Islands Territoire des Iles Wallis et Futuna (Overseas territory of France) Joined United Nations: 24 October 1945 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 08/19/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Mata-Utu (on Ile Uvea)
15,343 (July 2010 est.)
Nicolas Sarkozy
President of France since 16 May 2007
President of France since 16 May 2007
French president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;
high administrator appointed by the French president on the
advice of the French Ministry of the Interior; election last held
22 April and 6 May 2007
Next scheduled election: Spring 2012
high administrator appointed by the French president on the
advice of the French Ministry of the Interior; election last held
22 April and 6 May 2007
Next scheduled election: Spring 2012
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
President of the Territorial Assembly is elected by the members
of the Territorial Assembly in the recommendation of the French
President for five-year terms (no term limits) Last election: 11
April 2007
Next scheduled election: 2012
of the Territorial Assembly in the recommendation of the French
President for five-year terms (no term limits) Last election: 11
April 2007
Next scheduled election: 2012
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Polynesian
| RELIGIONS |
Roman Catholic 99%, other 1%
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Overseas Territory of France . No administrative divisions but there are three kingdoms at the second order named Alo,
Sigave, Wallis. Legal system is the French legal system
Executive: - Popularly elected in France for five year term represented by prefect, President of the Territorial Assembly
is elected by the members of the Territorial Assembly for five-year terms (no term limits). Last election: 11 April 2007;
Next election: 2012
Legislative: Unicameral Territorial Assembly or Assemblee Territoriale (20 seats; members are elected by popular vote
to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held 2 April 2007 (next to be held March 2012)
Judicial: None; justice generally administered under French law by the high administrator, but the three traditional kings
administer customary law and there is a magistrate in Mata-Utu; a court of appeal is located in Noumea, New Caledonia
Sigave, Wallis. Legal system is the French legal system
Executive: - Popularly elected in France for five year term represented by prefect, President of the Territorial Assembly
is elected by the members of the Territorial Assembly for five-year terms (no term limits). Last election: 11 April 2007;
Next election: 2012
Legislative: Unicameral Territorial Assembly or Assemblee Territoriale (20 seats; members are elected by popular vote
to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held 2 April 2007 (next to be held March 2012)
Judicial: None; justice generally administered under French law by the high administrator, but the three traditional kings
administer customary law and there is a magistrate in Mata-Utu; a court of appeal is located in Noumea, New Caledonia
| LANGUAGES |
Wallisian 58.9% (indigenous Polynesian language), Futunian 30.1%, French 10.8%, other 0.2% (2003 census)
| BRIEF HISTORY |
Wallis is named after the eighteenth century English explorer Samuel Wallis. Some people call the island East 'Uvea to
distinguish it from an island off the east coast of New Caledonia, known as West 'Uvea, which was settled two hundred
years ago by people from East 'Uvea. The population is of Tongan ancestry. Futuna was called the Hoorn Islands by
Dutch explorers. Futuna includes the nearby uninhabited island of Alofi. The 'Uvean language is a Western Polynesian
language closely related to Tongan. Wallisians use 'Uvean as their everyday language. All school-age and older persons
also speak French, the language of the administration. A few people also speak English. The Futunan language is of
Samoic origin. It is the language of everyday life, though French is used on official occasions and is taught in schools.
The island of Wallis lies in the central Pacific. It is a raised reef, mainly limestone, with an area of ninety-six square miles
(250 square kilometers). It is surrounded by a wide lagoon with many small islets. There are no rivers but several lakes in
the interior plateau. Better soil is found on the coastal rim, where large trees and crops are cultivated. The villages are in
this coastal region, predominantly on the eastern side. The western side is uninhabited; several of the larger islets are
inhabited. The lagoon is shallow, and barely navigable. The island is divided into three districts. Mu'a, the most populous;
Hahake; and Hihifo. The main town where government offices and the hospital are located is Mata'utu in Hahake in the
central district. Futuna lies one hundred miles southwest of Wallis. Futuna and Alofi are volcanic islands. Futuna is
twenty-five square miles (64 square kilometers), and Alofi is eleven square miles (28 square kilometers) in area. A narrow
reef encircles both islands, but there is no lagoon. People cultivate the hillsides and use the banks of streams to grow taro.
The island is divided by several major rivers, and the population lives in the southern coastal zone. The island is divided
into two kingdoms: Sigave in the west and Alo in the east. Leava in Sigave is the main town and port. Although the Dutch
and the British were the European discoverers of the islands in the 17th and 18th centuries, it was the French who were
the first Europeans to settle in the territory, with the arrival of French missionaries in 1837, who converted the population
to Catholicism. Wallis is named after the Cornish explorer Samuel Wallis. On April 5, 1842, they asked for the protection
of France after the rebellion of a part of the local population. On April 5, 1887, the queen of Uvea (on the island of
Wallis) signed a treaty officially establishing a French protectorate. The kings of Sigave and Tu´a (Alo) on the islands of
Futuna and Alofi also signed a treaty establishing French protectorate on February 16, 1888. The islands were put under
the authority of the French colony of New Caledonia. In 1917, the three traditional chiefdoms were annexed to France
and turned into the Colony of Wallis and Futuna, still under the authority of the Colony of New Caledonia. In 1959, the
inhabitants of the islands voted to become a French overseas territory, effective in 1961, thus ending their subordination to
New Caledonia.
In 2005, the 50th king, Tomasi Kulimoetoke II, faced being deposed after giving sanctuary to his grandson who was
convicted of manslaughter. The king claimed his grandson should be judged by tribal law rather than by the French penal
system. There were riots in the streets involving the king's supporters, who were victorious over attempts to replace the
king. Two years later, Tomasi Kulimoetoke died on 7 May 2007. The state was in a six-month period of mourning.
During this period, mentioning a successor was forbidden. On 25 July 2008, Kapiliele Faupala was installed as king
despite protests from some of the royal clans.
Sources: Every Culture.com: Culture of Wallis and Futuna; Wikipedia: History of Wallis and Futuna
distinguish it from an island off the east coast of New Caledonia, known as West 'Uvea, which was settled two hundred
years ago by people from East 'Uvea. The population is of Tongan ancestry. Futuna was called the Hoorn Islands by
Dutch explorers. Futuna includes the nearby uninhabited island of Alofi. The 'Uvean language is a Western Polynesian
language closely related to Tongan. Wallisians use 'Uvean as their everyday language. All school-age and older persons
also speak French, the language of the administration. A few people also speak English. The Futunan language is of
Samoic origin. It is the language of everyday life, though French is used on official occasions and is taught in schools.
The island of Wallis lies in the central Pacific. It is a raised reef, mainly limestone, with an area of ninety-six square miles
(250 square kilometers). It is surrounded by a wide lagoon with many small islets. There are no rivers but several lakes in
the interior plateau. Better soil is found on the coastal rim, where large trees and crops are cultivated. The villages are in
this coastal region, predominantly on the eastern side. The western side is uninhabited; several of the larger islets are
inhabited. The lagoon is shallow, and barely navigable. The island is divided into three districts. Mu'a, the most populous;
Hahake; and Hihifo. The main town where government offices and the hospital are located is Mata'utu in Hahake in the
central district. Futuna lies one hundred miles southwest of Wallis. Futuna and Alofi are volcanic islands. Futuna is
twenty-five square miles (64 square kilometers), and Alofi is eleven square miles (28 square kilometers) in area. A narrow
reef encircles both islands, but there is no lagoon. People cultivate the hillsides and use the banks of streams to grow taro.
The island is divided by several major rivers, and the population lives in the southern coastal zone. The island is divided
into two kingdoms: Sigave in the west and Alo in the east. Leava in Sigave is the main town and port. Although the Dutch
and the British were the European discoverers of the islands in the 17th and 18th centuries, it was the French who were
the first Europeans to settle in the territory, with the arrival of French missionaries in 1837, who converted the population
to Catholicism. Wallis is named after the Cornish explorer Samuel Wallis. On April 5, 1842, they asked for the protection
of France after the rebellion of a part of the local population. On April 5, 1887, the queen of Uvea (on the island of
Wallis) signed a treaty officially establishing a French protectorate. The kings of Sigave and Tu´a (Alo) on the islands of
Futuna and Alofi also signed a treaty establishing French protectorate on February 16, 1888. The islands were put under
the authority of the French colony of New Caledonia. In 1917, the three traditional chiefdoms were annexed to France
and turned into the Colony of Wallis and Futuna, still under the authority of the Colony of New Caledonia. In 1959, the
inhabitants of the islands voted to become a French overseas territory, effective in 1961, thus ending their subordination to
New Caledonia.
In 2005, the 50th king, Tomasi Kulimoetoke II, faced being deposed after giving sanctuary to his grandson who was
convicted of manslaughter. The king claimed his grandson should be judged by tribal law rather than by the French penal
system. There were riots in the streets involving the king's supporters, who were victorious over attempts to replace the
king. Two years later, Tomasi Kulimoetoke died on 7 May 2007. The state was in a six-month period of mourning.
During this period, mentioning a successor was forbidden. On 25 July 2008, Kapiliele Faupala was installed as king
despite protests from some of the royal clans.
Sources: Every Culture.com: Culture of Wallis and Futuna; Wikipedia: History of Wallis and Futuna
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
Politics of Wallis and Futuna takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic French overseas
collectivity, whereby the President of the Territorial Assembly is the head of government, and of a multi-party system.
Executive power is exercised by the government.
The territory of Wallis and Futuna is divided into three traditional chiefdoms (royaumes coutumiers): `Uvea, on the
island of Wallis, Sigave, on the western part of the island of Futuna, and Tu`a (Alo), on the island of Alofi and on the
eastern part of the island of Futuna. Uvea is further subdivided into three districts: Hanake, Hihifo, and Mua. The
capital of the territory is Matâ'Utu on the island of Wallis, the most populated island. As a territory of France, it is
governed under the French constitution of September 28, 1958, uses both the French legal system and customary local
laws ("coutume") , and suffrage is universal for those over 18 years of age. The French president elected by popular
vote for a five-year term; the high administrator is appointed by the French president on the advice of the French
Ministry of the Interior; the presidents of the Territorial Government and the Territorial Assembly are elected by the
members of the assembly.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Wallis and Futuna
collectivity, whereby the President of the Territorial Assembly is the head of government, and of a multi-party system.
Executive power is exercised by the government.
The territory of Wallis and Futuna is divided into three traditional chiefdoms (royaumes coutumiers): `Uvea, on the
island of Wallis, Sigave, on the western part of the island of Futuna, and Tu`a (Alo), on the island of Alofi and on the
eastern part of the island of Futuna. Uvea is further subdivided into three districts: Hanake, Hihifo, and Mua. The
capital of the territory is Matâ'Utu on the island of Wallis, the most populated island. As a territory of France, it is
governed under the French constitution of September 28, 1958, uses both the French legal system and customary local
laws ("coutume") , and suffrage is universal for those over 18 years of age. The French president elected by popular
vote for a five-year term; the high administrator is appointed by the French president on the advice of the French
Ministry of the Interior; the presidents of the Territorial Government and the Territorial Assembly are elected by the
members of the assembly.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Wallis and Futuna
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
The economy is limited to traditional subsistence agriculture, with about 80% of labor force earnings from agriculture
(coconuts and vegetables), livestock (mostly pigs), and fishing. About 4% of the population is employed in government.
Revenues come from French Government subsidies, licensing of fishing rights to Japan and South Korea, import taxes,
and remittances from expatriate workers in New Caledonia.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Wallis and Futuna)
(coconuts and vegetables), livestock (mostly pigs), and fishing. About 4% of the population is employed in government.
Revenues come from French Government subsidies, licensing of fishing rights to Japan and South Korea, import taxes,
and remittances from expatriate workers in New Caledonia.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Wallis and Futuna)
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
None reported.
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDP) |
None reported.
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
None reported.
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Report: France
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Elections and Political Participation
The 2007 national parliamentary and presidential elections were free and fair.
The country includes 11 overseas administrative divisions covered in this report. Four overseas territories in French Guiana,
Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Reunion, have the same political status as the 22 metropolitan regions and 100 departments on the
mainland. Six divisions are overseas "collectivities": French Polynesia, Mayotte, Saint-Barthelemy, Saint-Martin, Saint-Pierre and
Miquelon, and Wallis and Futuna. New Caledonia is a special overseas collectivity with a unique status between an independent
country and an overseas department and will hold a referendum on independence in 2014. Following a March 29 referendum, Mayotte
will become the 101st department in 2011. Citizens of these territories periodically elect deputies and senators to represent them in
parliament, like the other overseas regions and departments.
Click here to read more »
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Elections and Political Participation
The 2007 national parliamentary and presidential elections were free and fair.
The country includes 11 overseas administrative divisions covered in this report. Four overseas territories in French Guiana,
Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Reunion, have the same political status as the 22 metropolitan regions and 100 departments on the
mainland. Six divisions are overseas "collectivities": French Polynesia, Mayotte, Saint-Barthelemy, Saint-Martin, Saint-Pierre and
Miquelon, and Wallis and Futuna. New Caledonia is a special overseas collectivity with a unique status between an independent
country and an overseas department and will hold a referendum on independence in 2014. Following a March 29 referendum, Mayotte
will become the 101st department in 2011. Citizens of these territories periodically elect deputies and senators to represent them in
parliament, like the other overseas regions and departments.
Click here to read more »
7 December 2007
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Pre-session working group
Fortieth session
14 January-1 February 2008
Responses to the list of issues and questions with regard to the consideration of the sixth periodic report of France
Replies to the supplementary questionnaire addressed to France by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination
against Women
(1) Reservations:
The procedure for withdrawal of the reservation to article 14.2 (c) has been initiated; the reservation will be officially withdrawn no
later than France’s presentation of its report in January 2008.
Concerning the reservation to article 16.1 (g), it should be recalled at the outset that Act No. 2002-304 of 4 March 2002 concerning
family names, as amended by Act No. 2003-516 of 18 June 2003, which entered into force on 1 January 2005, abolished the notion
of patronymic names. This Act also ended the automatic and non-derogable practice of passing down the name of the husband to
children born during the marriage. Now, spouses may choose to give their first-born child, born on or after 1 January 2005, either the
father’s name or the mother’s name, or both their names in whichever order they determine, but limited to one family name each.
8. Participation in political life:
The law on political parity was applied for the first time during the municipal elections of March 2001. As a result, the situation of
women in Mahoran political life changed: the proportion of women municipal councillors rose by 12.5 percentage points in relation to
the 1995 elections. Some 33 per cent of the total number of seats were won by women. Following these elections, women came to
account for 45.5 per cent of all municipal councillors, mirroring the trend observed at the same time in metropolitan France (47.5 per
cent). However, no women have been elected mayor and the proportion of women deputy mayors remains low (30.4 per cent in 2001
and 29.6 per cent in 2006).
Wallis and Futuna
The female population is estimated at 4,754 (male population: 4,365).
The economically active population includes 1,247 women: 1,068 of them are gainfully employed and 179 are seeking employment.
The economically active women who are currently employed work in the following areas: 1,037 in the service sector, 9 in
construction, 20 in industry and 2 in agriculture.
An agency for women’s rights and equality was re-established on 1 February 2005. It cooperates closely with the judicial authorities,
the gendarmerie, the national Ministry of Education, the Health Agency and the Labour Inspection and Social Affairs Service.
The association “SOS Violences” has resumed its activities. Information and awareness-raising campaigns have been organized in
liaison with the Territorial Council of Women of Wallis and Futuna. All these developments have prompted a number of people to
report that they have been victims of violence. These reports have highlighted the absence of shelters and services for such women.
Click here to read more »
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Pre-session working group
Fortieth session
14 January-1 February 2008
Responses to the list of issues and questions with regard to the consideration of the sixth periodic report of France
Replies to the supplementary questionnaire addressed to France by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination
against Women
(1) Reservations:
The procedure for withdrawal of the reservation to article 14.2 (c) has been initiated; the reservation will be officially withdrawn no
later than France’s presentation of its report in January 2008.
Concerning the reservation to article 16.1 (g), it should be recalled at the outset that Act No. 2002-304 of 4 March 2002 concerning
family names, as amended by Act No. 2003-516 of 18 June 2003, which entered into force on 1 January 2005, abolished the notion
of patronymic names. This Act also ended the automatic and non-derogable practice of passing down the name of the husband to
children born during the marriage. Now, spouses may choose to give their first-born child, born on or after 1 January 2005, either the
father’s name or the mother’s name, or both their names in whichever order they determine, but limited to one family name each.
8. Participation in political life:
The law on political parity was applied for the first time during the municipal elections of March 2001. As a result, the situation of
women in Mahoran political life changed: the proportion of women municipal councillors rose by 12.5 percentage points in relation to
the 1995 elections. Some 33 per cent of the total number of seats were won by women. Following these elections, women came to
account for 45.5 per cent of all municipal councillors, mirroring the trend observed at the same time in metropolitan France (47.5 per
cent). However, no women have been elected mayor and the proportion of women deputy mayors remains low (30.4 per cent in 2001
and 29.6 per cent in 2006).
Wallis and Futuna
The female population is estimated at 4,754 (male population: 4,365).
The economically active population includes 1,247 women: 1,068 of them are gainfully employed and 179 are seeking employment.
The economically active women who are currently employed work in the following areas: 1,037 in the service sector, 9 in
construction, 20 in industry and 2 in agriculture.
An agency for women’s rights and equality was re-established on 1 February 2005. It cooperates closely with the judicial authorities,
the gendarmerie, the national Ministry of Education, the Health Agency and the Labour Inspection and Social Affairs Service.
The association “SOS Violences” has resumed its activities. Information and awareness-raising campaigns have been organized in
liaison with the Territorial Council of Women of Wallis and Futuna. All these developments have prompted a number of people to
report that they have been victims of violence. These reports have highlighted the absence of shelters and services for such women.
Click here to read more »
No reports from Freedom House mentioning Wallis and Futuna after exhaustive search of their data base. Please forward
any information you may have regarding Freedom House efforts on behalf of Wallis and Futuna to the Pax Gaea World
Report editor at the link below.
Contact the editor »
any information you may have regarding Freedom House efforts on behalf of Wallis and Futuna to the Pax Gaea World
Report editor at the link below.
Contact the editor »
No Reports from Amnesty International mentioning Wallis and Futuna after exhaustive search of their data Base. Please
forward any information you may have regarding Amnesty International efforts on behalf of Wallis and Futuna to the Pax
Gaea World Report editor at the link below
Contact the editor »
forward any information you may have regarding Amnesty International efforts on behalf of Wallis and Futuna to the Pax
Gaea World Report editor at the link below
Contact the editor »
No reports from Human Rights Watch mentioning Wallis and Futuna after exhaustive search of their data base. Please
forward any information you may have regarding Human Rights Watch efforts on behalf of Wallis and Futuna to the Pax
Gaea World Report editor at the link below.
Contact the editor »
forward any information you may have regarding Human Rights Watch efforts on behalf of Wallis and Futuna to the Pax
Gaea World Report editor at the link below.
Contact the editor »
TRANSLATED FROM FRENCH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
Marie-Luce Penchard announces a mission to rebuild the island of Futuna
NOUMEA, June 5, 2010 (AFP)
Marie-Luce Penchard, Minister for Overseas Territories, said Saturday in Noumea the establishment of a technical mission to
rebuild the small island of Futuna, hard hit by a cyclone in March.
Futuna (4200 inhabitants) in the archipelago of Wallis and Futuna, was devastated in March by Tomas, which has damaged roads,
buildings and crops.
"A project manager will be sent on site to coordinate the work while a technical support will be provided by the New Caledonia,"
she said.
This decision was taken at the meeting of the Monitoring Committee of the specific agreement of 2003, which binds the State of
New Caledonia and Wallis and Futuna.
"We really need that was announced today. There is a huge work to be undertaken Futuna roads, hospitals and schools," said
Victor Brial (UMP), President of the Territorial Assembly Wallis and Futuna Islands.
The reconstruction has generated tensions between the population and Futuna state. Unhappy with the conduct of work, parents of
students blocked the primary schools and two colleges, which have been open for only two weeks since March 13.
"We must return to a more serene mode of operation," said Ms. Penchard, who also announced the continuation of food aid in
collaboration with the Red Cross.
The Minister also said that reconstruction work and other operations would allow it to "boost activity and to limit the exodus. The
review of air services and maritime archipelago of just over 13,000 inhabitants as well as training in New Caledonia of school
teachers have also been announced.
Without economic development, Wallis and Futuna suffering a mass exodus of its population to the New Caledonia or the
metropolis.
In the afternoon, Ms. Penchard, who promised to go "shortly Wallis and Futuna", had received a traditional welcome in Noumea in
the home of Wallis and Futunans, which are almost 25,000 living in New Caledonia .
Click here to read more »
Marie-Luce Penchard announces a mission to rebuild the island of Futuna
NOUMEA, June 5, 2010 (AFP)
Marie-Luce Penchard, Minister for Overseas Territories, said Saturday in Noumea the establishment of a technical mission to
rebuild the small island of Futuna, hard hit by a cyclone in March.
Futuna (4200 inhabitants) in the archipelago of Wallis and Futuna, was devastated in March by Tomas, which has damaged roads,
buildings and crops.
"A project manager will be sent on site to coordinate the work while a technical support will be provided by the New Caledonia,"
she said.
This decision was taken at the meeting of the Monitoring Committee of the specific agreement of 2003, which binds the State of
New Caledonia and Wallis and Futuna.
"We really need that was announced today. There is a huge work to be undertaken Futuna roads, hospitals and schools," said
Victor Brial (UMP), President of the Territorial Assembly Wallis and Futuna Islands.
The reconstruction has generated tensions between the population and Futuna state. Unhappy with the conduct of work, parents of
students blocked the primary schools and two colleges, which have been open for only two weeks since March 13.
"We must return to a more serene mode of operation," said Ms. Penchard, who also announced the continuation of food aid in
collaboration with the Red Cross.
The Minister also said that reconstruction work and other operations would allow it to "boost activity and to limit the exodus. The
review of air services and maritime archipelago of just over 13,000 inhabitants as well as training in New Caledonia of school
teachers have also been announced.
Without economic development, Wallis and Futuna suffering a mass exodus of its population to the New Caledonia or the
metropolis.
In the afternoon, Ms. Penchard, who promised to go "shortly Wallis and Futuna", had received a traditional welcome in Noumea in
the home of Wallis and Futunans, which are almost 25,000 living in New Caledonia .
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM FRENCH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
Wallis deepening crisis
Pacific - Wallis and Futuna
Thurs July 22, 2010 | 8:35
Three days after the coup against EEWF customary, the 13,000 inhabitants of Wallis are still without water and electricity. A
roundtable to be held this morning at the prefecture, in the presence of the faithful of the king and elected by the territorial
assembly. But no company representative, who called a meeting on "neutral ground".
Since Tuesday morning, the inhabitants of Wallis are dealing with no water or electricity. Three days after the coup, the king's
supporters are holding the company's plant EEWF (Water & Electricity Wallis and Futuna), which they claimed had "taken
control". In the absence of technicians, one is able to repair the electrical system failure, whose origin remains unknown, and
which prevents any water.
"The population is highly penalized. It rains a lot in MECC, people collect water from rain, testifies Thierry Bonnet, secretary
general of the prefecture. Our major problem for water supply of the hospital. We had to pump water in a crater lake and make a
special connection to the sterilization operations. Cemidi a dozen dialysis patients have been transferred to Noumea. If this
continues, we may need to increase medical evacuations. Yesterday, it was possible to withdraw money from the sole distributor
of the island. Residents rushed to the only gas station on the island to have a generator. It also seems that yesterday, the freighter
loaded all the months of food supplies to the island has preferred to turn back. "A volmilitaire leave tomorrow (today) to provide
emergency medicines," said the prefecture. "The tension and frustration rise in much of the population, which is always a
spectator in this case," says the secretary general.
The people are full of candles and gas. Many feel "taken hostage" and called for the responsibility of state and their elected
assembly. "Nobody knows who does what. It is the fault of our leaders, "responded yesterday Wallisian broadcast on RFO.
Elected officials must participate just this morning at 9 am (Wallis), in a roundtable organized by the prefect, in the presence of
occupants and their supporters EEWF customary.
For its part, the company, a subsidiary of CEA, has refused to send a representative to this meeting, believing that his safety is
not ensured (see elsewhere). An absence that "regrets" the prefecture. Participants at the roundtable will seek to "confront the
views and find a solution because the situation can not last forever," says Thierry Bonnet. Two questions arise: firstly that the
rapid restoration of power to the people, other than the future of society EEWF whose contracts Water and electricity had been
granted by Wallis assembly.
The coup occurred on Monday after three months of social conflict stalled, following the dismissal for lack of William Manga
EEWF employee. This framework "expatriate" has subsequently received the support of the customary chiefs of Matu-Utu and
the King of Uvea, who ordered the freezing and forfeiture of EEWF, believing that the consumer Wallisian was "divested during
the years .
An interim ordering the expulsion of the site runs from April 15, but the prefecture has chosen not to use force to date. "Yes, the
situation is contrary to law, obviously. But we want to avoid confrontation. The use of public force must be compared with the
risk of disturbing public order, "justifies the secretary general of the prefecture. And blaming the company: "This is a classic
social conflict, he belonged to the company to pay. She did not. "
Click here to read more »
Wallis deepening crisis
Pacific - Wallis and Futuna
Thurs July 22, 2010 | 8:35
Three days after the coup against EEWF customary, the 13,000 inhabitants of Wallis are still without water and electricity. A
roundtable to be held this morning at the prefecture, in the presence of the faithful of the king and elected by the territorial
assembly. But no company representative, who called a meeting on "neutral ground".
Since Tuesday morning, the inhabitants of Wallis are dealing with no water or electricity. Three days after the coup, the king's
supporters are holding the company's plant EEWF (Water & Electricity Wallis and Futuna), which they claimed had "taken
control". In the absence of technicians, one is able to repair the electrical system failure, whose origin remains unknown, and
which prevents any water.
"The population is highly penalized. It rains a lot in MECC, people collect water from rain, testifies Thierry Bonnet, secretary
general of the prefecture. Our major problem for water supply of the hospital. We had to pump water in a crater lake and make a
special connection to the sterilization operations. Cemidi a dozen dialysis patients have been transferred to Noumea. If this
continues, we may need to increase medical evacuations. Yesterday, it was possible to withdraw money from the sole distributor
of the island. Residents rushed to the only gas station on the island to have a generator. It also seems that yesterday, the freighter
loaded all the months of food supplies to the island has preferred to turn back. "A volmilitaire leave tomorrow (today) to provide
emergency medicines," said the prefecture. "The tension and frustration rise in much of the population, which is always a
spectator in this case," says the secretary general.
The people are full of candles and gas. Many feel "taken hostage" and called for the responsibility of state and their elected
assembly. "Nobody knows who does what. It is the fault of our leaders, "responded yesterday Wallisian broadcast on RFO.
Elected officials must participate just this morning at 9 am (Wallis), in a roundtable organized by the prefect, in the presence of
occupants and their supporters EEWF customary.
For its part, the company, a subsidiary of CEA, has refused to send a representative to this meeting, believing that his safety is
not ensured (see elsewhere). An absence that "regrets" the prefecture. Participants at the roundtable will seek to "confront the
views and find a solution because the situation can not last forever," says Thierry Bonnet. Two questions arise: firstly that the
rapid restoration of power to the people, other than the future of society EEWF whose contracts Water and electricity had been
granted by Wallis assembly.
The coup occurred on Monday after three months of social conflict stalled, following the dismissal for lack of William Manga
EEWF employee. This framework "expatriate" has subsequently received the support of the customary chiefs of Matu-Utu and
the King of Uvea, who ordered the freezing and forfeiture of EEWF, believing that the consumer Wallisian was "divested during
the years .
An interim ordering the expulsion of the site runs from April 15, but the prefecture has chosen not to use force to date. "Yes, the
situation is contrary to law, obviously. But we want to avoid confrontation. The use of public force must be compared with the
risk of disturbing public order, "justifies the secretary general of the prefecture. And blaming the company: "This is a classic
social conflict, he belonged to the company to pay. She did not. "
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TRANSLATED FROM FRENCH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
SOME INFORMATION ON THE ORGANIZATION'S LEGAL LAND
Three powers: three visions of law
The territory of Wallis and Futuna has a single legal system in France. Three powers coexist, and rarely do agree: the customary
authority (represented primarily by the Kings), the senior administration (represented by the senior administrator who has the title of
prefect); the Church (represented by Bishop of Wallis and Futuna).
Three Kings to 15,000 inhabitants
Yes! The territory of Wallis and Futuna has three kings, and therefore three kingdoms: the Kingdom of Uvea Wallis, and the
kingdoms of Alo and Futuna Sigave. Three kings ... 15,000 people!
On the territory of Wallis and Futuna, kings are not named after the dynastic rules similar to those that have been ongoing and
continue to occur within the Western monarchies. They are actually chosen or elected for life from among the members of a small
number of families (Halik). The last Lavelua, king of Wallis, was appointed in 1959 and reigned until his death in 2007. A reign of
48 years.
The chiefdom: the traditional organization of the territory
The legal and customary highly hierarchical: each district (in Wallis: Hihifo, Hahake, Mua; Futuna: Alo and Sigave) includes the
villages headed by chiefs of villages. It is an essentially masculine power.
Village chiefs and the king are a customary territorial assembly that is responsible for organizing a number of defined tasks.
Traditionally, men would gather every night (it's still the case in Futuna, but history tends to get lost in Wallis) as falefono to
discuss these common problems. It was during this meeting that the trial customary place, governed by specific rules in the
territory.
A tripartite French
But Wallis and Futuna is a French territory, it is administered by the French authorities, responsible for applying French law. The
three branches of the Republic there are present: the executive, represented by the senior administrator, appointed by the President
of the Republic, the legislative branch, represented by the deputy and senator for Wallis and Futuna, the judicial power represented
by the chairman of the district court of Mata-Utu, the capital of the territory.
A powerful and influential Church
Finally, the Church plays a significant role in organizing the territory. It was she who (together with National Education) is
responsible for the education of young children (until the end of primary). Together with the senior administration of Vital Statistics
of the island.
In addition, Wallis and Futunans are very religious. The moral authority of the Church is very real in the archipelago.
A delicate coexistence of power: the political crisis of 2005
The coexistence of all these powers makes management of these islands very complex.
As an unprecedented political crisis it occur in September 2005 and has raised fears of civil war between, on one hand, supporters
of the king, church and custom and, secondly, supporters administrator. The'île has been cut in two days, and blocked the airport.
Fortunately, the situation seems to be appeased, even though nothing is certain.
Click here to read more »
SOME INFORMATION ON THE ORGANIZATION'S LEGAL LAND
Three powers: three visions of law
The territory of Wallis and Futuna has a single legal system in France. Three powers coexist, and rarely do agree: the customary
authority (represented primarily by the Kings), the senior administration (represented by the senior administrator who has the title of
prefect); the Church (represented by Bishop of Wallis and Futuna).
Three Kings to 15,000 inhabitants
Yes! The territory of Wallis and Futuna has three kings, and therefore three kingdoms: the Kingdom of Uvea Wallis, and the
kingdoms of Alo and Futuna Sigave. Three kings ... 15,000 people!
On the territory of Wallis and Futuna, kings are not named after the dynastic rules similar to those that have been ongoing and
continue to occur within the Western monarchies. They are actually chosen or elected for life from among the members of a small
number of families (Halik). The last Lavelua, king of Wallis, was appointed in 1959 and reigned until his death in 2007. A reign of
48 years.
The chiefdom: the traditional organization of the territory
The legal and customary highly hierarchical: each district (in Wallis: Hihifo, Hahake, Mua; Futuna: Alo and Sigave) includes the
villages headed by chiefs of villages. It is an essentially masculine power.
Village chiefs and the king are a customary territorial assembly that is responsible for organizing a number of defined tasks.
Traditionally, men would gather every night (it's still the case in Futuna, but history tends to get lost in Wallis) as falefono to
discuss these common problems. It was during this meeting that the trial customary place, governed by specific rules in the
territory.
A tripartite French
But Wallis and Futuna is a French territory, it is administered by the French authorities, responsible for applying French law. The
three branches of the Republic there are present: the executive, represented by the senior administrator, appointed by the President
of the Republic, the legislative branch, represented by the deputy and senator for Wallis and Futuna, the judicial power represented
by the chairman of the district court of Mata-Utu, the capital of the territory.
A powerful and influential Church
Finally, the Church plays a significant role in organizing the territory. It was she who (together with National Education) is
responsible for the education of young children (until the end of primary). Together with the senior administration of Vital Statistics
of the island.
In addition, Wallis and Futunans are very religious. The moral authority of the Church is very real in the archipelago.
A delicate coexistence of power: the political crisis of 2005
The coexistence of all these powers makes management of these islands very complex.
As an unprecedented political crisis it occur in September 2005 and has raised fears of civil war between, on one hand, supporters
of the king, church and custom and, secondly, supporters administrator. The'île has been cut in two days, and blocked the airport.
Fortunately, the situation seems to be appeased, even though nothing is certain.
Click here to read more »
Represented by
Michel Jeanjean
High Administrator since 10 June 2010
Michel Jeanjean
High Administrator since 10 June 2010
Pesamino Taputai
President of the Territorial Assembly
Since 11 April 2007
President of the Territorial Assembly
Since 11 April 2007
Click on map for larger view
Click on flag for Country Report
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.
