Pacific Islands Forum leaders have postponed their planned visit to New Caledonia, a French territory in the South Pacific, due to protocol concerns. The decision was announced by Mark Brown, the chairman of the regional bloc and Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, on August 21, 2023.
The proposed visit by the Forum's "Troika" delegation, including Brown and Fiji's Prime Minister, was intended to evaluate the ongoing civil unrest between indigenous Kanaks and French loyalists. This tension has its roots in the complex history of New Caledonia, which has been on the UN list of Non-Self-Governing Territories since 1986.
The visit, initially requested by New Caledonia President Louis Mapou and approved by French President Emmanuel Macron, faced unexpected hurdles. Brown stated that the New Caledonian government identified several issues regarding due process and protocol that require resolution before the Troika's visit can proceed.
This development comes in the wake of recent turmoil in New Caledonia. In May 2023, voting reforms sparked riots and widespread disruptions, prompting France to deploy hundreds of police to the territory. The Kanak population, who have inhabited the island for thousands of years, fear these reforms will dilute their voting power and hinder future independence referendums.
The situation has drawn international attention, with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights criticizing the French government's actions. The UN body expressed concern over the electoral reforms and what it termed "excessive use of force" in response to Kanak demonstrations.
"France was trying to control the visit, which the local government believed it should host, because it was a member of the forum."
This statement highlights the complex dynamics at play, involving local authorities, the French government, and regional organizations. It's worth noting that New Caledonia has been grappling with issues of autonomy and potential independence for decades, as evidenced by the Nouméa Accord of 1998 and the series of independence referendums held in 2018, 2020, and 2021.
The postponement of the Pacific Islands Forum delegation's visit underscores the delicate balance required in addressing the territory's political future. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the various stakeholders will navigate these challenges, considering New Caledonia's strategic importance in the region, its rich biodiversity, and its significant nickel deposits, which play a crucial role in the territory's economy.