2024-11-25 11:32:00
After months of impasse, the great annual meeting of the Caledonian Union (UC), the main component of the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS), which met in Canala from 23 to 25 November, foreshadowed a resumption of discussions between independentists, not independentists and the State.
During their trip to Nouméa from 11 to 13 November, the presidents of the National Assembly and the Senate, Yaël Braun-Pivet (Renaissance) and Gérard Larcher (Les Républicains), underlined that the postponement of the Caledonian provincial elections until November 2025 offers an essential dialogue opportunity. The conduct of these elections, however, remains linked to the consensus around the electorate, an issue that ignited the dust and triggered the violence of May 13th. And the legislative times to implement a constitutional reform on the new status of the territory remain tight. To stay on track, partners who have not yet sat down at the negotiating table will need to reach an agreement by April. The position taken on the issue of the Caledonian Union was therefore particularly awaited.
It is in a context of strong internal tensions that the 55th congress of the movement opened, under the sign of “real word”of“unity” and the “youth”. It gave rise to lively exchanges, described as «clarifications» by activists, in particular on the issue of the Field Action Coordination Cell (CCAT) and its main leaders, still incarcerated in France under pre-trial detention.
“New breath”
Suspected by the courts of having organized the May 13 uprising, of which the UC claims political paternity, the CCAT exposes the movement to strong criticism from some New Caledonian political leaders due to its radicalism. The lawyers of Christian Tein, leader of the CCAT, attacked, on Thursday 21 November, the leader of the loyalists in Congress, Sonia Backès, for having designated him as “terrorist leader”.
On November 15, the FLNKS reiterated, by way of warning, that this is the case “the only interlocutor who carries the voice of the Kanak people”believing that the State would try to choose its interlocutors. According to the Front, it would try to favor the separatists present in the institutions, considered more moderate. The unity of the Caledonian Union, historically crossed by numerous currents, was therefore one of the main issues of this 55th congress in the perspective of that of the FLNKS, at the beginning of 2025 at the latest. “We will have to be the masters, working in a way that follows a consensual path. In the end only one word must come out.”insisted Daniel Goa, president of the UC for twelve years.
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What are the key challenges facing New Caledonia’s independence movement?
Time.news Interview: Exploring New Caledonia’s Path to Autonomy
Editor: Good afternoon, and welcome to this special edition of Time.news. Today, we delve into an important topic that has captured global attention: the independence movement in New Caledonia. We’re joined by Emmanuel Tjibaou, an influential independence activist and currently a member of parliament for New Caledonia as well as the president of the Caledonian Union. Emmanuel, thank you for being here.
Emmanuel Tjibaou: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss this crucial moment in our history.
Editor: Let’s start with the recent congress of the Caledonian Union you attended in Canala. What were the main takeaways from this gathering, especially amidst the backdrop of such strong internal tensions?
Emmanuel Tjibaou: The 55th congress highlighted the need for unity and a clear vision for our future. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of urgency; activists discussed real issues affecting our youth and the importance of presenting a united front. Our discussions were described as «clarifications», but I see them as vital steps towards a renewed dialog with both independentists and non-independentists.
Editor: Speaking of dialog, the legislative representatives from France recently visited New Caledonia. What do you feel about the postponement of the provincial elections until November 2025, and what does that mean for the path ahead?
Emmanuel Tjibaou: The postponement offers a crucial window for dialog. It’s a chance for all parties to come together and agree on the electoral processes. However, we must navigate the complexities of consensus, especially regarding the electorate, which was a significant factor in the violence we experienced on May 13th. This requires open communication and trust-building among the groups involved.
Editor: You mentioned the internal tensions. Can you elaborate on what these tensions entail and how they might affect future negotiations?
Emmanuel Tjibaou: The tensions arise from different visions for New Caledonia’s future. On one side, there are those who seek complete independence, while others are more cautious, wanting to maintain ties with France in some form. These diverging perspectives can lead to conflicts. If we are to negotiate effectively, we must first address these disagreements and find the common ground necessary to move forward.
Editor: As the first pro-independence MP since 1986, what role do you see yourself playing in this political landscape? How do you plan to bridge the gaps between the factions?
Emmanuel Tjibaou: My role involves facilitating dialog and emphasizing the importance of understanding. I believe in an approach that encourages compromise rather than conflict. Our youth are the key to our future, and their voices must be prioritized in these conversations. I’m committed to ensuring that their aspirations are heard in the dialog with both the French government and non-independentist groups.
Editor: Looking forward, what are the immediate next steps for the Caledonian Union and the independentist movement as a whole?
Emmanuel Tjibaou: We need to secure agreements on various issues by April, including the status of the electorate. It’s essential that all parties prepare for the discussions that the postponed elections will require. We must approach these talks with a mindset aimed at fostering unity and addressing the concerns of all communities within New Caledonia.
Editor: Emmanuel, thank you for your insights. As New Caledonia stands on the brink of either further conflict or potential reconciliation, we appreciate your perspective on this complex situation. It’s a pivotal moment, and we’ll be watching closely as events unfold.
Emmanuel Tjibaou: Thank you for the opportunity to share our story. Together, we can pave a path toward a hopeful future for New Caledonia.