Nauru's President David Adeang and his delegation have stormed out of the Pacific Islands Forum plenary meeting as questions are raised about the appointment of the regional body's incoming secretary general Baron Waqa.
Baron Waqa, a former president of Nauru, has been named as the next forum head despite his history which includes sacking judges, being investigated by Australian police for taking bribes and imposing harsh restrictions on media.
The Pacific Islands Forum upholds good governance and democratic principles as its values.
Waqa's original candidacy for the SG role is supported by the Micronesian countries, including Nauru.
1News understands Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has been asked to mediate.
Pacific correspondent Barbara Dreaver is in Rarotonga for the Pacific Islands Forum. (Source: 1News)
1News have spoken to a number of leaders who say they are working on bringing Nauru back into to the fold.
The leaders want to discuss the process of how Waqa was appointed to the role.
Samoa's Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa is with the Nauru delegation trying to negotiate them back to the table.
Questions have been raised about the appointment of the next secretary-general, Baron Waqa. (Source: 1News)
1News understands in the plenary meeting she had brought up concerns over the process in which Waqa had been elected and wants that discussed tomorrow at the retreat. This was agreed to by leaders.
It's understood Adeang then stormed out as he believed this meant Waqa's new role is in question despite being confirmed as the next SG at a special forum leaders meeting in February.
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