French Polynesia's President Moetai Brotherson has put forward a proposal at the United Nations to begin an independence process for the French overseas collectivity, according to reporting by RNZ Pacific.
The move represents a renewed diplomatic effort by the Pacific island territory, which has been on the UN list of non-self-governing territories since 2013 after being re-inscribed following decades of campaigning by pro-independence groups. France has contested the re-inscription, arguing that French Polynesia is an integral part of the French Republic rather than a colony.
The proposal comes amid broader decolonisation discussions across the Pacific region, where several territories with colonial histories continue to seek greater autonomy or full independence. French Polynesia, which includes Tahiti and more than 100 islands, has been a French overseas collectivity since 2003, with a degree of self-government but with France retaining control over defence, security, and foreign affairs.
President Brotherson, who leads a pro-autonomy government, has navigated a complex political landscape between those favouring full independence and those who prefer the current relationship with France. The UN proposal signals that his administration is pushing for a formalised pathway towards sovereignty.
No details of the exact terms or timeline of the proposal have been released. The UN is expected to consider the proposal through its Special Committee on Decolonisation, which oversees the decolonisation of the 17 remaining non-self-governing territories on the UN list.