The Vanuatu Government has clarified why it has not publicly released the Commission of Inquiry (COI) report into the Citizenship Commission. According to an official statement posted on the Prime Minister’s Facebook page, the COI—appointed in 2024—was mandated to investigate the work of the Citizenship Commission and its Citizenship by Investment (CIP) programs. However, when the report was submitted in June 2025, it included a second section addressing issues related to diplomatic passports under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which was outside the Commission’s terms of reference.

The Attorney General advised that this section was “ultra vires” (beyond legal authority) and that publishing the report could expose the government to lawsuits from those mentioned. The AG also warned that commissioners, who lack legal immunity, could personally face court action. The government noted that despite being cautioned, the Commission proceeded to submit the full report, which included material beyond its lawful scope.

The report itself reportedly acknowledged conflicts of interest, as two commission members later ran in the January 2025 snap elections and allegedly used COI information during their campaigns—raising concerns about political motivation and lack of impartiality.

The government stressed that withholding the report was not censorship but an act of “responsible governance” to avoid legal risks, accusing opposition-linked figures of using the issue for political gain. It reaffirmed its commitment to public accountability and called on citizens to support ongoing efforts for national stability and progress.