Leaked paper reveals New Caledonia heading for political status limbo

Kanaks protest proposed changes to the French Constitution, which would have given non-native born residents a larger political sway in New Caledonia, in this May 13, 2024 file photo.

By James C. Pearce

A leaked document circulating online seems to cast doubt on New Caledonia's future as a part of the French Republic.

Paris sent a negotiation document on its long-term involvement in New Caledonia, which was supposed to remain confidential. The language of the document implied that France either intends to exit New Caledonia in some form or substantially reduce its power.

The document reads, "Considering the inalienable right to self-determination of the people of New Caledonia, sovereign over their own destiny" and later referred to "New Caledonian citizens." The document also left open the door for another independence referendum.

The wording is peculiar because New Caledonians are French citizens and passport holders, just as people of Guam are American citizens and passport holders. The last three referendums in New Caledonia all rejected independence. The last held Dec. 12, 2021, was boycotted by Kanak separatists and was the closest vote.

The document was created after rounds of talks in February and March this year when Manuel Valls, French minister for overseas, was in Nouméa.

The talks came on the heels of last year's violent riots, which erupted following proposed changes to the French Constitution that would have given non-native born residents a larger political sway. Critics argued it was a violation of the 1998 Nouméa Accords and the decolonization process.

During the riots in May 2024, hundreds of homes, businesses and vehicles were looted and set ablaze, causing millions of Euros worth of damage. The official death toll was 13, but it is believed that more deaths occurred indirectly from the violence. Over 150 were injured. At least 10 percent of the local Kanak population reportedly left the islands following the riots as French President Emmanuel Macron sent in the French military to regain control of the situation.

The document’s leak required a “clarification” from Valls, who noted that the confidentiality was supposed to ensure the expected results of ongoing talks would not be jeopardized. The leaked document was merely a "working paper" and not an official proposal, Valls said, noting that talks are still ongoing.

The latest round of talks was held remotely on April 11, via a video conference. Valls will return to New Caledonia on April 29 for another round of talks and more political discussions are ongoing behind closed doors.

The talks aim to settle questions of decolonization, as laid out in the Nouméa Accords, citizenship, power transfer and sharing, and the possibility of another future referendum. Whether any kind of negotiations will follow this next round remains to be seen, but hopes are high.

A consensus has emerged over citizenship and residency. A minimum of 10-15 years is being floated along with a required exam on cultural values and specifics. Progress is being made in the power of tax collection and allowing New Caledonia to take charge of all other "non-sovereign" powers.

Another referendum is unlikely anytime soon, however. New Caledonia’s current Congress is split evenly between pro-French and pro-independence groups, and a referendum would require a vote of three-fifths.

Pro-French parties regard New Caledonia as a part of France and insist that the results of the latest three referendums should be respected.

On the pro-independence side, the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS) is dominated by the Union Calédonienne. One of New Caledonia’s Deputies in the French Assembly, Emmanuel Tijabou, is a member of this party. Tijabou, the son of a famous Kanak leader, has said that a path to sovereignty is the goal. However, he presides over a radical party base that is often uncompromising.

FLNKS has announced a “convention” on April 26, just three days before Valls’ return. The convention will decide whether FLNKS should now fully engage in negotiations. In a news conference last week, the FLNKS said it would only commit to proposals by the French government if it “sees the benefits.”

Tijabou and New Caledonia’s territorial president Alcide Ponga are in regular contact with Valls and both men have confirmed their commitment to the talks process.

Two other pro-independence parties — the PALIKA (Kanak Liberation Party) and the UPM (Union Progressiste en Mélanésie) — have distanced themselves from the FLNKS. UPM views FLNKS as too radical under Union Calédonienne’s influence and dominance.

PALIKA also reaffirmed in a meeting last week that whilst independence is the goal, they are still committed to participating in future negotiations. They are in favor of the so-called "independence association," which is independence in all but name.

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