French Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls is set to return to New Caledonia for further political discussions after postponing his planned visit from March 22 to a new date between March 29 and April 1. Valls’ visit follows a prior week-long visit that concluded on March 1, during which he facilitated conversations between political factions in the region, including both pro-independence and pro-France groups.
During his initial trip, Valls succeeded in gathering various stakeholders to discuss the territory’s institutional and political future in the wake of the civil unrest experienced in May 2024, which resulted in 14 deaths and extensive damage amounting to €2.2 billion. The discussions have been described as “conversations” rather than negotiations at this stage, reflecting the complexity of resolving historical grievances and differing aspirations for New Caledonia’s future.
Valls has emphasized the ongoing tensions and fears present in New Caledonia, stating, “Even if we managed to bring together all political forces so they can speak to each other again, we are still far from an agreement.” He underscored the importance of recognizing the diverse perspectives within the territory and the need for ongoing dialogue to pave the way for political and social reconciliation.
In addition to his commitment to resuming talks in New Caledonia, Valls is currently engaged in discussions across other French overseas territories, such as La Réunion and the Caribbean islands, where he is also addressing various local issues.
In related developments, France’s Ambassador to the Pacific, Véronique Roger-Lacan, recently visited Vanuatu, focusing on potential free trade agreements and climate change initiatives. Her visit included discussions on collaborative environmental efforts, including the upcoming UN Oceans Conference scheduled to take place in France in June 2025.
The French government’s efforts to address the complexity of New Caledonia’s situation, particularly through Valls’ planned return and continued dialogue, signify a hopeful move towards fostering a more stable political environment capable of reconciling the diverse aspirations of its people. As the regions navigate their paths forward, there remains potential for constructive solutions that prioritize collaboration and understanding among all factions involved.
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