9 November 2026
His Highness Afioga Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aleto’a
Sualauvi II O le Ao o le Malo
Head of State of the Independent State of Samoa
Office of the Head of State
Vailele, Samoa
Your Highness,
Re: An appeal for peace, action and national leadership
I write with the greatest respect for Your Highness and the dignity of your office, but also with deep concern for the direction of our beloved Samoa. I appeal to you to use the voice and influence of your high office, within the bounds of the Constitution, to help restore peace, confidence and unity among our people.
The office of O le Ao o le Malo holds a place of profound importance in our constitutional and national life. It stands above the daily contest of party politics and carries a responsibility to all Samoans. At times of uncertainty, our people look to this office for wisdom, reassurance and leadership grounded in the values that bind us together.
That responsibility is especially meaningful when we remember the hardships, injustice and suffering endured by our ancestors under colonial rule, and the sacrifices made in the long struggle for independence. We remember the courage of the Mau movement and those who stood for a Samoa governed by Samoans. Their legacy reminds us that our independence was hard won and that we are entrusted with protecting it for those who come after us.
Our national motto, “Fa’avae i le Atua Samoa,” speaks to the foundations of our nation. Our faith calls us to seek justice, show compassion, speak truthfully and care for one another. These principles should guide our leaders, particularly when political disagreements threaten the peace of our communities.
Your Highness, respectfully then, it is with disappointment that many of us feel we have not heard a clear public voice from your office addressing the depth of the present political divisions. The atmosphere has become increasingly tense, and many Samoans at home and throughout the diaspora are worried and angry. We fear that, if this anger continues to grow without calm and responsible leadership, it could lead to confrontation or even the tragic loss of life. Our history reminds us that political conflict can have devastating human consequences. We must do everything possible to prevent such a tragedy.
The recent public showing of Samoa in many media forms in the recent United Nations gathering was embarrassing to say the least and does nothing positive for its international reputation. This is particularly so in the context of millions of dollars of aid money being pumped into the Samoan struggling economy by these countries.
Moreover, the publication of footage showing the Prime Minister making a Nazi salute and using the words “Heil Hitler” has also caused pain and embarrassment. We acknowledge that the Prime Minister has apologised nevertheless, the gesture is a grave reminder of the Holocaust, in which six million Jews were murdered by the Nazi regime, alongside millions of other victims. The incident has affected how Samoa is viewed internationally and calls for reflection on the standards of conduct expected of our leaders. Such reckless behaviour from our leaders is disgusting and should be made accountable.
There is also widespread concern about the criminal charges and legal proceedings that the Prime Minister has faced and continue to face. The seriousness of those matters, and their implications for public confidence, deserve careful and close scrutiny.
Many of us, with respect, were also concerned by the participation of Your Highness and the dignity of your office in the recent march in support of Israel. Samoans hold different views about this conflict, and those differences deserve respect. Many are deeply distressed by the immense loss of civilian life in Gaza, including the deaths of women and children. We mourn innocent lives lost on all sides. We ask that the office representing the whole nation be exercised in a manner that respects the diversity of Samoan views and upholds compassion, peace and the protection of civilians everywhere.
Your Highness, we do not presume to direct you in the exercise of your constitutional responsibilities. We recognise that your powers are governed by the Constitution and that you have access to wise and experienced counsel. We respectfully ask that you seek that counsel urgently and consider what steps are available to you to help calm the nation and strengthen public trust.
In particular, we appeal to you to speak publicly for peace and restraint; encourage respectful dialogue among political, church, village, community and civil-society leaders; affirm the independence of the courts and other institutions; and remind all who hold public office of their duty to serve the whole country with integrity and accountability free from political and ministerial interference.
The dubious appointment of your Attorney General is another major concern to which we note that her current prosecutorial and appeal decisions are having a significant detrimental effect on the administration of fair justice in Samoa.
Ua leai se filemu ma se fealofani. Too many of our people feel that peace and goodwill are slipping away. They need reassurance that their concerns are heard and that those entrusted with leadership understand the gravity of this moment. The need for a calming voice and principled leadership is urgent: not at some distant time, but now.
Finally, Your Highness, I say with respect that the Samoa we fear we are becoming is not the Samoa our ancestors and tua’a struggled to leave us. We cannot sit idly by while division and poor leadership threaten our future. Our people deserve leaders who possess the judgment, knowledge, humility and commitment needed to guide Samoa towards peace, opportunity and lasting economic progress.
May God grant Your Highness wisdom, courage and strength in carrying out the responsibilities of your office. We pray for our leaders and for all the people of Samoa.
Soifua ma ia manuia.
Sincerely,
Sala Pulotu Canada Tanoa’i Alofa McCarthy
Director
CTV Media (NZ and Australia)
