A DIPLOMATIC row has erupted after Vanuatu invited an FLNKS delegation led by Christian Tein to a forum in Port Vila aimed at strengthening economic cooperation with New Caledonia.
The move sparked outrage among New Caledonia’s political class and business community. Christopher Gygès, in charge of foreign trade, called it “a lack of respect” and announced the suspension of all work on a trade cooperation agreement between the two territories.
The New Caledonian government stressed that, under the organic law, only its president has the authority to represent the territory abroad.
It said that the FLNKS delegation—which includes figures also holding government positions, such as Mickaël Forrest—is not acting in an official capacity.
The French High Commission instructed the French ambassador to Vanuatu to boycott the forum and to remind Vanuatu authorities that they must formally request New Caledonia’s executive to form an official delegation. No such request has been made.
The controversy was further inflamed by images of the FLNKS delegation receiving a lavish welcome in Port Vila, which circulated widely on social media. Several New Caledonian business leaders, who were attending the forum without prior knowledge of the FLNKS’s participation, decided to return home immediately in protest. MP Nicolas Metzdorf accused Vanuatu of “openly mocking” New Caledonia.
The FLNKS has only commented on a meeting between Christian Tein and Vanuatu’s Prime Minister Jotham Napat, describing it as a reaffirmation of historic ties between Vanuatu and the Kanak people, and a shared vision for a Melanesia free of colonial influence.
Source: Les Nouvelles Calédoniennes
