Tonga

The purpose of this Country Strategy Paper (CSP) is to provide a framework for EC co-operation with the Kingdom of Tonga under the Cotonou Agreement. The framework is based on global objectives of EC-ACP co-operation, Tonga’s own development policy, an analysis of the political and economic situation in the country, and an assessment of the past co-operation programmes of the EC and other donors. It concludes with the proposed EC response strategy of the 10th EDF and an Indicative Programme.

The Kingdom of Tonga, an archipelago of more than 170 islands spread over an area of the South Pacific roughly the size of Japan, has no strategic or mineral resources and is highly dependent on agriculture, fishing, remittances from Tongans living abroad, and a developing tourism industry. Its population is 101,134 (2006). The country has some of the best Millennium Development Goals indicators in the region and is well on its way to achieving the MDGs by 2015.

A former British protectorate, Tonga became fully independent in 1970, though it was never formally colonised. The deeply conservative Christian country, that values traditions and customs highly, is ruled by a king supported by hereditary noblemen who together have a perpetual majority in parliament, electing or appointing 21 of its 30 members. A tentative step towards reform was taken in early 2005 when elected MPs were appointed to the cabinet for the first time. Previously, all cabinet members had been handpicked by the king from outside parliament. Demands for change have become stronger. A public sector strike in 2005, marked by major street protests, expanded into a campaign for political reform. In early 2006, for the first time, a commoner has been appointed Prime Minister.

In November 2006, riots broke out in the centre of the capital which left 6 people dead and large parts of the central business district burnt out. The violence started after hundreds rallied in the capital demanding a vote on the proposed models of democratic reform, which were the subject of some disagreement between the Government and the people’s representatives.

Under the 10th EDF it has been agreed that the focal sector shall be water and energy (though in Tonga, the NIP will concentrate exclusively on energy, in particular renewable energy). This programme will be country-wide, and will be executed, if deemed feasible and desirable, via a Multi-Country Programme (one focal sector for 7 participating countries).

The EC’s indicative allocation of programmable funds (envelope A) for the Kingdom of Tonga is € 5.9 million, and the focal sector will absorb 85 %, i.e. € 5 million. In the non-focal area, 15% of envelope A, e.g. € 0.9 million are foreseen for the Technical Cooperation Facility, including Technical Assistance to the National Authorising Officer and support for good governance, as well as for Non-State Actors programmes.

The envelope B (funds for certain unforeseen needs) is € 0.9 million.