Two small islands creating one big stink over ownership

Vanuatu has formally submitted a case against France at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), seeking international recognition of its sovereignty over two small islands located in the South Pacific. Known internationally as Matthew and Hunter Islands, the landmasses are referred to in Vanuatu as “Umaenupne” and “Umaeneg.” These islands, which remain uninhabited, hold deep cultural and religious significance for the Vanuatuan people, according to local leaders and historical records. The filing marks a new phase in the longstanding sovereignty and maritime boundary dispute between Vanuatu and France, with both nations having failed to reach a resolution despite multiple rounds of negotiations. The dispute dates back to Vanuatu’s independence in 1980, when the country gained self-rule from British and French colonial powers. Since then, diplomatic efforts to clarify the status of the islands have repeatedly stalled. Negotiations held in Paris in July 2026 ended in failure, continuing a pattern of unproductive talks that have persisted for decades. Despite this, President Emmanuel Macron expressed willingness to resolve the issue during his 2023 state visit to Vanuatu, and additional discussions occurred in Port Vila in late 2025. During the recent Davos Economic Forum in January 2026, Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to international law, cautioning against a world governed by the rule of the strongest. However, concerns persist within France regarding the implications of recognizing Vanuatu’s claim. Some legal experts warn that a ruling in favor of Vanuatu could set a precedent that might reignite similar territorial disputes involving France and other nations. For instance, France currently faces a claim from Mexico over the Clipperton Atoll, a remote island in the eastern Pacific. Additionally, French political figures, particularly members of the far-right National Rally party, have voiced opposition to ceding the islands to Vanuatu. Marine Le Pen, leader of National Rally, publicly criticized the potential concession during a meeting in Port Vila in November 2025, asserting that the islands were not “Macron’s to give away.” The ICJ, as the world's highest judicial body for resolving international disputes, stands poised to address the matter. However, the court can only adjudicate the case if France consents to the process. Therefore, the next critical step involves France deciding whether to accept the ICJ’s jurisdiction and allow the court to determine the sovereignty of the islands. Vanuatu’s Prime Minister, Jotham Napat, has emphasized that the islands are integral to the nation’s identity and history, describing the legal action as a necessary step toward resolving an unresolved colonial legacy. Legal counsel for Vanuatu, Stephen Webb, a seasoned attorney who previously represented Timor-Leste in its maritime boundary dispute with Australia, characterized the case as a fundamental legal challenge over sovereignty. He stated that the move aims to secure a definitive and legally binding resolution through the ICJ. In recent years, Vanuatu has garnered international backing for its advocacy of climate protection under international law, an initiative supported by the United Nations General Assembly, including France. This track record suggests that France may find it challenging to reject the current claim, given its past alignment with Vanuatu’s positions. France’s stance on the issue carries broader geopolitical ramifications. A rejection of Vanuatu’s claim could strain relations within the Pacific region, where many nations are actively pursuing decolonization and self-determination. Moreover, the outcome may influence the stability of New Caledonia, where indigenous Kanak leaders, including the head of the pro-independence FLNKS movement, Christian Tein, have publicly endorsed Vanuatu’s position. These leaders argue that the Kanak people have historically been disconnected from the disputed islands, reinforcing the argument that the islands should rightfully belong to Vanuatu.