Tonga at 150: A Sovereign Journey Worth Remembering
By Tevita Motulalo
Commentary
The year 2025, Anno Domini, marks a monumental milestone in Tonga’s history—a jubilee year for liberty and self-government. It is a time for leaders, citizens, and future generations to reflect on the great sacrifices made for our sovereignty, and to celebrate the milestones that have shaped our identity as a free and independent kingdom.
The Almighty Constitution: 150 Years of Rule of Law
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Tongan Constitution, proclaimed and enacted in 1875. It is a landmark achievement—historic in scale—for every patriotic Tongan and all who support the sovereignty of a nation ruled by its own people.
At a time when the world reels from conflict and division, Tonga must remember that freedom was never granted freely. Our forebears paid dearly to protect the liberties we enjoy today.
After witnessing the destruction wrought by modern warfare, famine, and slavery in the so-called civilised world, King George Tupou I, the founder of modern Tonga, sought to protect his people from such devastation. Despite mockery and sabotage by external imperial forces, a national Constitution was completed and ratified in Nukuʻalofa. This foundational document enshrined the rule of law, establishing that there would be one law for all Tongans—no longer separate standards for foreigners and locals.
Before this, a British subject who wounded or killed a Tongan could only be tried by a British consul—not a Tongan court. The Constitution ended this injustice, laying the foundation for legal equality and national dignity.
Soon after, Tonga signed treaties of mutual rights with France under Napoleon III, and in 1875, Germany became the first nation to recognise our Constitution—just as Bismarck’s newly unified empire emerged from the shadows of Napoleon’s disbandment of the Holy Roman Empire.
Grounded Liberty: The 1900 Protectorate Treaty
Another historic milestone remembered this year is the 1900 Treaty of Friendship and Protection with Great Britain. While controversial, this treaty was signed to protect Tonga from forced annexation—particularly from expansionist campaigns by New Zealand, then under Australian administration.
The British Colonial Office in London understood something important: Tongans are fiercely independent. They would not have accepted subjugation without resistance—perhaps to the last man. Any forced annexation would have ended in bloodshed and humiliation for the invaders.
However, the treaty came at a cost. For 70 years, Tonga’s foreign and defence policy was administered by Britain. More controversially, the treaty included a clause requiring all laws or decrees from the King or Parliament to receive prior consent from the British Consul. Two Tongan Prime Ministers were forcibly removed—one kidnapped, another exiled—under the pretext of this foreign authority.
It was not until 1970 that Tonga fully regained sovereign control. The decades that followed are often remembered fondly—perhaps idealised for their peace—but they also obscured the deep price paid in autonomy.
Today, as we mark 55 years of full self-government, we must acknowledge that two generations is a short time in the life of a nation. Tonga’s bureaucracy is still maturing, and before 1970, most executive positions were held by palangi. Institutional memory is still developing.
Democratic Restructuring: 15 Years and Growing
Only 15 years ago, in 2010, Tonga held its first democratic elections following constitutional reforms passed in the years prior. These were the final steps toward building a participatory political system after the colonial shadow lifted.
Since then, Tonga has seen just a handful of full terms in Parliament. Yet it is becoming increasingly clear: the kingdom’s democratic foundations are here to stay.
While Tonga is often celebrated as an “uncolonised” nation, its lived experiences suggest otherwise. Treaty or no treaty, the effects of foreign control and imposed decisions shaped Tonga for nearly a century. We cannot fully appreciate our sovereignty without also recognising these truths.
A Call to Reflect—and Rise
After 150 years of sovereign statehood, 55 years of full self-government, and 15 years of parliamentary rule, Tonga remains a work in progress. But it is a hopeful work—steadily building the institutions, leadership, and resilience needed to serve her people.
This Jubilee year is not only about looking back with pride—it is about renewing our purpose. The morale, identity, history, and culture of a people are not decorative—they are the drivers of development, prosperity, and national unity.
Let us mark this year with more than fanfare. Let us reflect on how far we have come, and how much further we must go—together.
