Nouméa, May 26, 2024 — France and New Caledonia reached a landmark agreement Saturday, offering the Pacific territory a new level of autonomy while remaining part of France—a move prompted by violent unrest last year and decades of simmering tensions over independence.
A New Status, A Fragile Peace
The deal aims to quell separatist sentiment and address economic disparities in the French territory.
- France will recognize New Caledonia as a “State of New Caledonia” within the French Republic.
- Residents will be required to have lived on the archipelago for 10 years before being eligible to vote.
- The agreement seeks to revitalize New Caledonia’s economy, particularly its nickel processing industry.
- Both chambers of the French parliament and New Caledonian voters must approve the deal in votes planned for later this year and 2026, respectively.
“A State of New Caledonia within the Republic: it’s a bet on trust,” French President Emmanuel Macron posted on X, hailing the agreement as “historic.” He later told signatories that “after two agreements and three referendums, New Caledonia, through what you have signed, is opening a new chapter in its future in a peaceful relationship with France.”
What’s driving this shift? The move comes after a year of unrest, including deadly riots in May 2024, sparked by plans to expand voting rights to long-term residents. Indigenous Kanaks feared losing their political majority and, consequently, their chances of achieving full independence.
The agreement, reached after 10 days of talks near Paris involving New Caledonian elected officials and leaders from political, economic, and civil society groups, proposes a new nationality for New Caledonia, allowing residents to hold both New Caledonian and French citizenship. The “State of New Caledonia” would be enshrined in the French constitution, potentially opening the door for recognition by other countries.
Manuel Valls, the minister for overseas territories, described the deal as an “intelligent compromise” that balances New Caledonia’s desire for greater sovereignty with its continued ties to France.
A History of Discontent
New Caledonia, located nearly 17,000km (10,600 miles) from Paris and home to approximately 270,000 people, has been under French rule since the 1800s. However, many indigenous Kanaks harbor resentment over France’s continued authority and advocate for increased autonomy or outright independence.
Three independence referendums have been held since 2018, all resulting in votes against independence. The 2021 referendum was boycotted by pro-independence groups due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Kanak population, leading to a political deadlock.
Macron signaled his intention to pursue a “new project” for New Caledonia in early June, setting the stage for these recent negotiations.
The agreement also prioritizes economic recovery, with a focus on revitalizing New Caledonia’s nickel processing capabilities. Both chambers of the French parliament are scheduled to vote on the deal in the fourth quarter of this year, followed by a referendum for New Caledonian residents in 2026.
