French Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls recently visited New Caledonia, where tensions between pro-France and pro-independence groups surfaced, raising concerns about his stance. Despite these clashes, Valls remains positive that all factions will ultimately negotiate the territory’s political future effectively. This visit comes nine months after significant civil unrest in May 2024, which led to 14 fatalities and extensive property destruction.
On his first day, Valls commemorated a fallen French gendarme, but his remarks recognizing the Kanak people as “first people” ignited a fiery exchange with Nicolas Metzdorf, a prominent pro-France leader. Metzdorf accused Valls of showing disrespect towards the pro-France stance, underscoring the delicate dynamics of identity and historical recognition in New Caledonia’s politics.
Valls aims to rekindle political discussions based on the 1998 Nouméa Accord, which emphasizes the significance of New Caledonia’s indigenous populations. His visit faced protests from pro-France supporters who demanded acknowledgment of the outcomes from three referendums where independence was rejected. Throughout these challenges, Valls emphasized the necessity of cooperation and compromise to move forward.
The economic aspect is also critical, given the aftermath of civil unrest. Valls announced an extension of state-funded unemployment benefits until June 30 for businesses impacted by the riots, highlighting the need for a stable economy to facilitate any political progress. He linked the relationship between political dialogue and economic recovery as key to New Caledonia’s future.
In a hopeful reflection during an interview, Valls expressed his belief that representatives from various sectors in New Caledonia would engage in upcoming meetings, fostering a connection with France while addressing historical grievances. This proactive stance from the French government offers a promising pathway to rebuild trust and promote dialogue, ultimately working towards a more stable and peaceful resolution to the ongoing tensions in the territory.
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