Chilean Ambassador Sparks Political Controversy Over Rapa Nui

On December 24, Manahi Pakarati, the Chilean ambassador to New Zealand, posted a message on Instagram calling for self-determination for the nation of Rapa Nui. The post, which included a translated poster, sparked immediate political controversy in Chile. The Foreign Ministry of Gabriel Boric's government, led by Alberto van Klaveren, quickly contacted the diplomat to reprimand her for the call regarding the isolated island. Although the photo was removed from social media, the incident has generated significant political tension. The opposition has called for Pakarati's resignation from her diplomatic post. However, the government has refused to demand her exit, choosing instead to address the matter through diplomatic channels.

The controversy began when Manahi Pakarati shared a specific image on her personal Instagram account. The post featured a poster with the text "Libre determinación para la nación de Rapa Nui," which translates to "Self-determination for the nation of Rapa Nui." The message was written in English, suggesting an intent to reach an international audience regarding the status of the territory.

The post was made on December 24, a time usually associated with holiday observances rather than political declarations. Despite the timing, the message resonated quickly across social media platforms and traditional news outlets. The content directly addressed the sensitive political status of Easter Island, known locally as Rapa Nui, which is a Chilean territory located thousands of kilometers west of the mainland.

The Cancillería del Gobierno de Gabriel Boric (Foreign Ministry) reacted swiftly to the diplomatic breach. The ministry, headed by Alberto van Klaveren, established contact with Pakarati to express their disapproval. The government viewed the public call for autonomy by a sitting ambassador as a violation of diplomatic protocol and alignment with state policy.

Following this intervention, the controversial image was removed from the social media platform. The ministry's actions underscore the delicate balance Chile maintains regarding its territories. While the government took steps to reprimand the diplomat, reports indicate that the administration is not currently seeking her removal from the position, focusing instead on internal disciplinary measures.

The incident has created a divide between the executive branch and political opponents. The opposition has seized on the event to demand the immediate resignation of Pakarati from her role as ambassador. They argue that her public stance on Rapa Nui self-determination makes her position untenable and damages Chile's sovereignty claims.

Conversely, the Boric administration has taken a softer stance, refusing to force a resignation. The government appears to be treating the incident as a matter to be resolved through internal reprimand rather than personnel changes. This approach has kept the issue in the headlines, fueling ongoing political tension in Santiago.

Rapa Nui, or Easter Island, is one of the most isolated inhabited places on Earth. The island is famous for its monumental statues called Moai. It was annexed by Chile in 1888. In recent decades, there have been recurring movements on the island advocating for greater autonomy or independence from the Chilean state, often citing the distance from the mainland and distinct cultural heritage.

The island's relationship with the central government remains a complex issue involving land rights, migration, and environmental protection. The post by Manahi Pakarati has brought these underlying tensions back to the forefront of Chilean political discourse.