The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) has raised serious concerns about the ongoing unrest in New Caledonia and France’s management of the situation.
Local reports describe “nightmare” scenes in the French territory, with buildings being set ablaze and roadblocks emerging despite a strong security presence.
Thousands of reinforcements have been dispatched from France, several pro-independence leaders have been arrested and sent to mainland prisons, and there are worries about the potential escalation of conflict.
Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa emphasized that the PIF is striving to maintain peace and stability. “We are truly concerned at what is happening in New Caledonia,” Waqa stated in his first briefing since assuming office last month. He mentioned that efforts are ongoing to engage the forum’s chair and the Troika to address the issues.
Waqa confirmed that the PIF chair has communicated with New Caledonia’s president and plans are in motion to create a timeline for certain actions and decisions. “It is quite volatile at the moment. Even though it has quieted down a bit, it flares up again,” he noted.
The forum intends to increase its engagement with Paris before the PIF leaders’ meeting in Tonga next month. “We would like to see this issue resolved as soon as possible,” Waqa said.
French Ambassador to the Pacific, Véronique Roger-Lacan, has spoken with the Troika but questioned whether forum involvement would be productive, citing existing dialogue processes initiated by President Macron and the C24.
Dr. Meg Keen, a geopolitical commentator, stressed the need for dialogue, warning that the current approach will not lead to a positive resolution. She highlighted an opportunity missed by not inviting regional players to help pacify the situation under the Biketawa Declaration.
Keen emphasized the effectiveness of the Pacific way of resolving conflicts through regional collaboration, suggesting that it tends to have a calming impact.
However, she noted there is no indication that France intends to relinquish control over New Caledonia soon. Waqa expressed concern about the deployment of weapons and armored vehicles in the territory and raised issues regarding those imprisoned in mainland France.
Distinguished Professor Steven Ratuva from the Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies disputes Paris’ denial of militarization, arguing that the deployment of organized state force constitutes militarization by definition.
Ratuva pointed out that France, like other colonial powers, has historically used military force to maintain control. Dr. Keen echoed this sentiment, noting France’s longstanding military presence in New Caledonia to protect its economic exclusion zones.
Professor Ratuva asserted that France needs its territories for strategic reasons, as it gives the country a sense of global prominence and significantly expands its maritime domain.
Over three thousand security forces and armored vehicles capable of machine gun deployment have been sent to New Caledonia. Pro-independence groups advocate for a path to independence, while Paris insists that independence is not the only solution.
The French snap elections add to the tension. Professor Ratuva warned that hopes for decolonization would diminish if a far-right government wins the elections, pointing out that rightward shifts in French politics historically reduce prospects for decolonization.
The second round of voting is set to take place this weekend, and PIF Deputy Secretary General Esala Nayasi highlighted that the election results will significantly impact the political trajectory. The Pacific Islands Forum plans to decide its next steps during the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting in Japan from July 16-18.