Samoa faces political crisis as government factions clash over leadership changes

Samoa is experiencing a political crisis marked by divisions within the government. Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa removed Laauli Leuatea Schmidt from the Cabinet amid criminal charges, leading to Laauli's faction regaining leadership of the ruling FAST party. The FAST party caucus recently ousted Fiame and reinstated Laauli as leader. This shift has created uncertainty, with potential for a no-confidence vote and the possibility of snap elections, which Laauli's faction opposes. Concerns about deepening divisions persist, as Fiame needs to appoint new ministers after dismissing 13 associate ministers. The political landscape remains unclear, with ongoing tensions between FAST and the opposition Human Rights Protection Party.