The role of chiefs in peacebuilding in Port Vila

Abstract

In contrast to the democratic system of government established at independence, the chiefly system in Vanuatu has claimed and now possesses widespread support for its work at the community level. Chiefs are regarded as the key to community harmony and, although Vanuatu is currently experiencing a period of relative stability, underlying social tensions contribute to the high level of importance placed on strong community leadership. Chiefs in Vanuatu have demonstrated their willingness and ability to adapt to changing environments - since colonisation, chiefship has evolved and new chiefly structures have been developed. In the capital of Port Vila especially, chiefs have shown themselves to be resilient to the forces of urbanisation and globalisation. However as the holders of custom, they face a number of unique challenges for which their own systems of governance may not provide ready solutions. Through a discussion on the response of chiefs to the riots that occurred in Port Vila in 1998 and 2007, this paper explores some of the issues currently facing chiefs in Vanuatu’s capita city, Port Vila. Extending the notion that chiefs are responsible for community harmony and well-being, the paper discusses the role of chiefs within the broader framework of development.