“AKIN TO A DECLARATION OF WAR”
France boosts police and military before New Caledonia vote By Nic Maclellan As New Caledonia moves towards a referendum on self-determination on 12 December, France is deploying new police and military forces to the
New Caledonia
Pacific leaders join call for delay in New Caledonia referendum
In a significant intervention, former Pacific island presidents, prime ministers and senior officials have written to French President Emmanuel Macron, urging him to delay the next referendum on self-determination in
To vote or not to vote? Debating a New Caledonia referendum delay
As France’s Overseas Minister Sébastien Lecornu visits Noumea, supporters and opponents of independence are debating whether the next New Caledonia referendum on self-determination should proceed in December. Key
France expands Pacific reach
The French government is expanding its engagement with Pacific Island nations, following the fifth France-Oceania summit, a visit by President Emmanuel Macron to French Polynesia, and increased support by France and the
Independence leader takes top job in New Caledonia
After months of delay, New Caledonia finally has a new leader. Louis Mapou was elected as President of New Caledonia on 8 July, the first time in nearly 40 years that a Kanak independence leader will head the government
Independence leader takes top job in New Caledonia
By Nic Maclellan After months of delay, New Caledonia finally has a new leader. Louis Mapou was elected as President of New Caledonia on 8 July, the first time in nearly 40 years that a Kanak independence leader will
Vale mine in New Caledonia
After months of political dispute, the Brazilian corporation Vale has finally sold its Goro nickel smelter and other assets in New Caledonia’s Southern Province. The new owners Prony Resources and Trafigura have
Opinion: Forum’s moral failure for Melanesians
During the recent crisis over the appointment of Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat’s new Secretary General (former Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna), much public debate occurred over the supposed
Independence movement wins majority in New Caledonia government
In a major transformation, the incoming government of New Caledonia will be led by the first pro-independence leader in nearly forty years. Members of the independence coalition Front de Libération Nationale Kanak et
New Caledonia’s fight over nickel
The young people gathered early in Noumea, preparing for action. Soon the main road along the waterfront in New Caledonia’s capital was blocked with barricades, burning tires and large stones. Riot police moved in,
Narrow victory in New Caledonia referendum
Voters stay with France but support for independence increases For the second time in as many years, voters in New Caledonia have narrowly decided against independence for the French Pacific dependency. Provisional
New Caledonia: “Our accession to sovereignty is inevitable.”
On Sunday, long-term residents in New Caledonia will go to the polls, to vote in a referendum on the political status of the French Pacific dependency. For New Caledonia’s independence movement, it’s just one more
New Caledonia: “Our accession to sovereignty is inevitable.”
On Sunday, long-term residents in New Caledonia will go to the polls, to vote in a referendum on the political status of the French Pacific dependency. For New Caledonia’s independence movement, it’s just one more
“I am hopeful that we will increase our score”: New Caledonia’s referendum
On 4 October, New Caledonians will vote in a referendum on self-determination, to determine the political status of the French Pacific dependency. This is the second referendum to be held under the Noumea Accord, an
Pacific awakening in New Caledonia
“We haven’t created a movement to fight for independence or to fight for France – we’ve created a movement to fight poverty in New Caledonia. That’s our struggle.” That’s Milakulo Tukumuli, leader of
Neighbours: Australia and New Caledonia boost diplomatic and defence ties
Eighty years ago, fearful of Japan, Australia sent a diplomat and a warship to New Caledonia. Today, Australia is mobilising defence and diplomacy against another rising Asian power. On the morning of 19 September 1940,
New team in Paris faces urgent Pacific crises
Just three months before New Caledonia’s next referendum on self-determination, French President Emmanuel Macron has reshuffled his Cabinet in Paris, appointing a new Prime Minister and ministers responsible for
Another killer: dengue
The impact of the novel coronavirus has understandably absorbed all the energies and resources of health ministries across the region. But even as the Pacific grapples with the real and anticipated impact of COVID-19,
Guam reports 4th COVID-19 death, Fiji 5 more cases
An update on COVID-19 related developments in the region today: Guam Guam has suffered its fourth COVID -19 related death. The Guam Daily Post reports that the a 67-year-old woman, who had recently traveled
Coronavirus travel restrictions: a Pacific wrap
There have been no cases of coronavirus reported in the Pacific Islands region, although Australia and New Zealand have reported cases, and in the case of Australia, one death. However the Pacific region has responded
Pacific predictions: 2020
As we enter not only a new year but a new decade, there is much to anticipate in the Pacific islands region. Elections and domestic politics A number of countries in the region will have elections during 2020: Kiribati,
Shipping nickel to China
At a time Western security analysts are fretting over Chinese strategic influence in the Pacific, some local businesses are looking at opportunities for trade and investment with China. In the French