New Caledonia News

Christian Tein, a pro-independence activist who considers himself a "political prisoner," was appointed leader of the Kanak Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS). This could complicate efforts to resolve New Caledonia's ongoing political crisis, sparked by French voting reforms that indigenous Kanaks fear will hinder their independence. Tein's appointment recognizes his party's role in the independence movement, though internal FLNKS divisions persist. France has suspended the controversial reforms and agreed to send a fact-finding mission, while deploying troops to restore order amid the unrest. Radio France Internationale

Roch Wamytan, the first Kanak president of New Caledonia's Congress and a senior member of the pro-independence FLNKS party, has been replaced by "middle way" candidate Veylma FALAEO after narrowly losing a vote. Falaeo, backed by French loyalist parties, is the first woman to head the Congress and has pledged to promote consensus. Wamytan had criticized France's handling of civil unrest and voting reforms, which sparked protests from pro-independence Kanak groups. French loyalists sought his replacement due to his controversial cooperation with Azerbaijan and the arrest of his chief of staff. Congrès de la Nouvelle-Calédonie Reuters

After months of violence, New Caledonia independence groups will turn to the PIF in hopes of buoying their case for self-determination from France. The Diplomat Dr. Pierre-Christophe Pantz

Three months into deadly protests in #NewCaledonia – sparked by a proposed constitutional reform that reignited tensions over independence – confrontations in the French territory persist, and its economy is in shambles. President Emmanuel Macron wants to hold talks in September, but does the government have anything to offer? Radio France Internationale Sarah Elzas

Efforts to protect the flamboyant flightless bird, including managing predators, have seen #cagou numbers grow in #NewCaledonia The Guardian Lizzie Carboni Jörn Theuerkauf Marianne Bonzon jean Marc Meriot

More than two months after civil unrest in #NewCaledonia, political and social fractures remain deep. Protests sparked by French electoral reforms have highlighted the polarisation between loyalists and separatists. Conversations with citizens reveal a longing for moderate leadership. While reforms were suspended, the damage to political trust persists, with positions hardening on both sides. Recent violence and arrests have further escalated tensions. However, the French election saw high voter turnout, electing representatives from both camps, offering a glimmer of hope for renewed dialogue and peace. Lowy Institute Catherine Wilson

#NewCaledonia is experiencing turmoil sparked by a French National Assembly vote on May 13, which proposed adding 25,800 people to local voting rolls. This move, amidst demographic changes and significant French emigration, has intensified conflicts. Indigenous Kanak migration to Noumea and inequalities between rich and poor fueled recent riots. French emigration, driven by political and economic uncertainties, has caused a population decline, with 27,600 departures between 2014-2019. The crisis impacts economic reconstruction and human capital rebuilding, with many professionals and businesses considering leaving the territory. 🔗 Learn more about the ongoing situation and its implications for New Caledonia's future. Nic Maclellan Development Policy Centre

France has granted a "repayable advance" of €14.2 million to Enercal, the main provider of New Caledonia's electric grid, which is running a chronic budget deficit. Radio France Internationale

The KNS nickel plant – one of three in the French overseas territory of New Caledonia – has announced it will make its 1,200 employees redundant by the end of August in the absence of a "finalised offer" from a buyer. Koniambo Nickel SAS Radio France Internationale

While the immediate unrest has paused, Kanaks say that sustainable peace is dependent on their grievances being addressed. Catherine Wilson The Diplomat