West Papuan independence figure Benny Wenda’s recent visit to Vanuatu’s Parliament –an historic first– seems to have left echoes within its halls. One thing is clear: Issues such as the plight of West Papuans can no longer be brushed off as entirely domestic in nature.

Toby Ley argues that police brutality is a problem we all share. The aim of this piece is not merely to reiterate the standard response of horror and indignation. We need to go beyond the condemnation, and take a critical look at some of the main arguments in defense of the beatings.

There are early indications the motion of no confidence against prime minister Sato Kilman could be serious, with 10 members of parliament moving sides to sit with the opposition yesterday. PiPP’s Kiery Manassah gives us a wrap-up of the state of political play as Vanuatu’s first parliamentary session begins