French President Emmanuel Macron announced during a visit to riot-hit New Caledonia that he will not impose the controversial voting reform that triggered deadly unrest in the French Pacific territory. Instead, Macron expressed his desire for local leaders to find an alternative agreement for the future of the archipelago.
Following meetings with leaders from both sides of New Caledonia’s deep-seated divide between Indigenous Kanaks seeking independence and pro-Paris leaders opposing it, Macron outlined a roadmap that could lead to another referendum for the territory.
A 1998 peace accord stipulated three separate referendums on the issue of New Caledonia’s independence. Although referendums in 2018, 2020, and 2021 all resulted in “no” votes against independence, most Kanaks boycotted the 2021 referendum due to the timing amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The pro-independence camp rejected the results and demanded another referendum, which Paris initially contested, asserting that the third referendum was final.
However, Macron proposed the possibility of holding another referendum on a new political agreement for the archipelago. He expressed hope that local leaders would reach a consensus on such a plan in the coming weeks and months, following the dismantling of protesters’ barricades to allow for the lifting of the state of emergency and the return of peace.
Macron stated, “I have assured that this reform will not be imposed forcefully in the current circumstances and that we will take a few weeks to achieve calm and resume dialogue toward a comprehensive agreement.”
The unrest erupted in response to legislation in the French parliament that Kanaks feared would diminish their influence by allowing recent arrivals in the archipelago to vote in local elections. Despite the approval of the overhaul by both houses of the French parliament, Macron’s recent statements in Nouméa suggest a willingness to reconsider the timeline and explore a more acceptable proposal for pro-independence leaders concerned about the electoral changes marginalizing Kanak voters.
Macron indicated that he would reassess the situation within a month at most. His visit aimed to de-escalate the violent confrontations in the archipelago, the severest since the 1980s, where tensions persist between Kanaks and descendants of colonists and settlers.
During the visit, Macron emphasized the importance of removing barricades and vowed to keep police forces deployed in the region as needed, despite upcoming security priorities for the Paris Olympics.
Despite initial rejection from pro-independence Kanak leaders, Macron hosted a meeting with rival pro-Paris leaders and separately engaged with both factions. He called for a moment of silence for the shooting victims and urged local leaders to help restore order.
Efforts to dismantle barricades in Nouméa have been hindered by widespread violence, leading to numerous arrests and significant damage to property and infrastructure. Macron acknowledged the challenges faced by law enforcement and expressed gratitude for their response to the unrest.
The recent wave of fires, looting, and violence has had severe economic consequences, prompting calls to reassess the voting system overhaul. Concerns remain about the proposed changes and their potential impact on New Caledonia’s political landscape.
Macron’s visit underscored the urgent need for dialogue and reconciliation in New Caledonia, with a focus on finding a sustainable solution to the longstanding issue of independence.