Civic space in Samoa is rated as ‘open’ by the CIVICUS Monitor. However, there have been concerns about defamation charges brought against critics, and challenges for journalists in accessing state information.
Peaceful Assembly
Protesters gather to call on government to support a ceasefire in Gaza
In December 2023, a group called Samoans for Ceasefire peacefully marched along Beach Road in the capital Apia, to rally for actions from the government to support and commit their efforts in calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
The group were also protesting the Samoan government's decision to abstain from the first UN General Assembly vote calling for a humanitarian truce in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages on 27th October 2023.
According to the Samoa Observer, the protest included advocates for peace from different age groups and from different walks of life. They prepared posters, banners and flags calling for peace in Palestine. The group gathered in the early hours of 6th December 2023 and started walking from the Fire and Emergency Service Authority (F.E.S.A.) to the Government Buildings.
They then assembled on the lawn in front of the Fiame Mata'afa Faumuina Mulinu'u Building at Matagialalua, waiting for a government representative to receive the petition. It was reported that the government was put on notice almost two weeks before about the march and was extended an invitation to nominate a representative to receive the petition.
However, the protesters said no one turned up and they voiced their disappointment towards the government for not receiving their petition that was signed by more than 1,000 Samoans. Despite this, the protesters said they would deliver the petition to the government through the appropriate representatives.
Hundreds support pro-Israel march
In January 2024, a pro-Israel march drew hundreds of Samoans from various backgrounds and age groups.
According to the Samoa Observer, the procession made its way from Beach Road Apia to the Government building led by the Ministry of Police's band. Flags of Israel and Samoa were waved up high as hundreds of those who gathered were dressed in white and blue, singing and shouting for peace of Jerusalem. Government leaders also joined the march.
The Prayer for Israel Samoa (P.F.I.S.) group took charge of organising and coordinating the march, which involved participants from diverse Christian denominations across Samoa. They highlighted that their organised march was not politically motivated; instead, it was intended as a spiritual initiative for promoting peace.