France Accused of Sabotaging Pacific Leaders’ Mission as Tensions Boil Over in New Caledonia

Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders have postponed a high-level visit to New Caledonia amid escalating tensions between the indigenous Kanak population and French loyalists.

The visit, intended to assess the ongoing civil unrest, was delayed after the New Caledonia government raised concerns about the due process and protocol surrounding the mission. The "Troika" delegation, comprising Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown and the Prime Ministers of Fiji and Tonga, was initially requested by New Caledonia President Louis Mapou and approved by French President Emmanuel Macron. However, the delay reflects the complexities of the situation as the New Caledonia government seeks to ensure its sovereignty in managing the visit.

The postponement follows accusations from New Caledonia Congress President Roch Wamytan, who claims that France is attempting to control the visit to undermine the Kanak independence movement. Wamytan, a leading figure in the pro-independence campaign, has criticised France for sidelining local authorities and manipulating the situation to prevent future independence referendums from succeeding. The unrest in New Caledonia has intensified since May when France introduced controversial electoral reforms that the Kanaks believe will dilute their political influence.

The situation has drawn international scrutiny, with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) expressing concerns over France’s response to the protests. The OHCHR criticised the French government for its "excessive use of force" against Kanak demonstrators and raised alarms about armed militias opposing independence. The UN has warned that France's recent actions undermine the decolonisation process outlined in the 1998 Nouméa Accord, which guarantees a pathway to full sovereignty for New Caledonia.

The delay of the PIF visit highlights the fragile state of affairs in New Caledonia, where the Kanak people remain steadfast in their pursuit of independence. As tensions continue, the international community will be closely monitoring developments, with hopes that a peaceful resolution can be achieved that respects the rights and aspirations of the indigenous Kanaks.