French Overseas Minister Manuel Valls has concluded a four-day visit to New Caledonia, aimed at facilitating discussions about the territory’s political future. However, as he departed for Paris on Tuesday, a comprehensive agreement had not been reached among the involved political factions.
During his time in Nouméa, Valls engaged with both pro-France and pro-independence parties in a series of closed-door meetings designed to maintain confidentiality around sensitive subjects. He returned to Paris with a sense of “reasonable optimism” for future talks, referencing the positive participation of all political groups, akin to his previous visit in April. Valls noted that although many differences persist, specifically concerning topics like self-determination and electoral rights, there is a collective will to negotiate.
Reflecting on the challenges posed by New Caledonia’s social and economic conditions—exacerbated by civil unrest in May 2024 that resulted in 14 fatalities and damages exceeding €2.2 billion—Valls emphasized the urgent need for political consensus. He conveyed concerns about rising homelessness, unemployment, and an overwhelmed health care system, exacerbating the region’s already fragile situation.
Plans for subsequent discussions have been established, with an official declaration indicating that a new round of talks is expected to take place starting April 29, 2025. This upcoming sequence aims to finalize a political agreement governing New Caledonia’s institutional future, building on a draft document provided by Valls at the weekend.
Notably, political leaders expressed mixed reactions to the talks. Sonia Backès, leader of the pro-France Les Loyalistes party, indicated that while progress may be slow, there is a shared desire for compromise to help rebuild the territory. On the opposite side, Emmanuel Tjibaou, a pro-independence figure, acknowledged the “cordial and frank” nature of the debates, highlighting the importance of remaining committed to the legitimacy of their mandates.
The current round of discussions marks a significant step in a prolonged stalemate since the last major talks and showcases the potential for further dialogue amid historical tensions. The willingness of all parties to engage suggests a hopeful prospect for New Caledonia to navigate its complex political landscape towards a more stable and united future.
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