Page 17 - IB May 2024

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dependencies in every ocean of the world, well into the 21st among our brothers and sisters in the Pacific affects us and
century. will continue to affect us. We are linked by history and
On 14 April, Gérald Darmanin travelled to New York to blood.”
address the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation, Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai, the current MSG
pledging “France’s commitment to respect for international Chair, has echoed the FLNKS demands, calling on the French
law, the right to self-determination, dialogue between government to withdraw the government’s constitutional
supporters and opponents of independence in New Caledonia reforms. He stressed “there is an urgent need now for France
and the outstretched hand of the State.” to agree to the proposal by the FLNKS to establish a dialogue
These honeyed words are belied by France’s actual and mediation mission, to be led by a mutually agreed high
voting record. Last year, Paris repeatedly abstained on UN personality, to discuss the way forward so that normalcy can
decolonisation resolutions, such as calls for the withdrawal of be restored quickly and an enduring peace can prevail in New
military bases from the colonies and a resolution “to develop Caledonia.”
political education programs for the Territory in order to As Islands Business went to press, there were some signs
foster an awareness among the people of their right to self- that President Macron and key advisers saw the need to shift
determination”. gears. President of the French National Assembly Yaël Braun-
Pivet – a Macron ally who served as Overseas Minister before
Regional response her current job –called for the delay of a proposed joint
A FLNKS delegation plans to travel to neighbouring Pacific sitting of both National Assembly and Senate (this meeting,
countries in coming weeks, seeking diplomatic support. known as the Congress of Versailles, is required to validate
With the breakdown of trust in Overseas Minister Darmanin, the controversial voting rights legislation).
the Kanak leaders have been calling for independent Macron however has not yet committed to fully withdraw
mediators. They are joined by others in Paris, critical of the the legislation. He even told Le Parisien newspaper that one
government’s botched policy. Earlier this month, three former option was submitting the proposed electoral reforms to a
French prime ministers called for current leader Gabriel Attal vote of all French people, via a referendum. The notion that
to take charge of the issue, in place of the Overseas Minister. all of France should get to vote on whether more French
Sénat coutumier president Victor Gogny said: “We are nationals vote in New Caledonia was met with scorn in
asking for the creation of a dialogue mission composed of Noumea – even anti-independence politician Philippe Gomes
senior officials, such as [former French prime ministers] described it as “a dangerous nonsense.”
Édouard Philippe and Jean-Marc Ayrault. This mission must However, as more than 2500 French riot police and
be impartial and involve the Customary Senate, its councils gendarmes were deployed to New Caledonia, France’s
and its chiefdoms. We must restore the conditions for living Overseas Minister continued to call for “firmness and
together and find a solution that respects the aspirations of Republican order.” These tone-deaf comments highlighted the
the indigenous Kanak people and their young people, within ongoing refusal of key politicians to address the fundamental
the framework of a peaceful society with other communities.” problem: many indigenous Kanak and other supporters of
A range of Forum leaders have also stressed that the independence do not want to be part of the French Republic.
current crisis is a matter of regional security. They have Following ten days of riots and clashes between protestors
called for calm and an end to violent clashes, but also offered and police in New Caledonia, French President, Emmanuel
support to mediate the deep divide between supporters and Macron travelled to Noumea to meet with politicians,
opponents of independence. community leaders and business associations.
Prime Minister of Cook Islands Mark Brown, as Chair of After flying for 16,700 kilometres, he spent just 18 hours
the Pacific Islands Forum, noted that the conflict is “deeply on the ground. Macron’s trip captured headlines around
concerning to the Pacific family,” without mentioning the the world but failed to achieve a breakthrough to restart
right to self-determination. the stalled dialogue between supporters and opponents of
Offering solidarity to the “brothers and sisters of Kanaky- independence.
New Caledonia” and support to the large Tahitian community This month’s tragic destruction of lives and livelihoods
living in Noumea, President Moetai Brotherson of Mā`ohi highlights one fundamental fact: there can be no agreement
Nui/French Polynesia also joined regional calls for calm and on a new political status for New Caledonia without the Kanak
dialogue. people.
“The people of Polynesia are ready to participate in this
effort with the aim of reconciliation and peace,” Brotherson nicmaclellan@optusnet.com.au
said. “We are all Pacific Islanders and what is happening

Islands Business, May 2024 17