What is happening in the French territory of New Caledonia?

Sub: IR

Sec: Places in news

New Caledonia’s Electoral Reform and Independence Movement:

Current Situation:
- On June 3, the Socialist Kanak National Liberation Front (FLNKS) of New Caledonia called for French President Emmanuel Macron to abandon plans to modify the electoral reform.
- Widespread protests and riots erupted due to the French parliament’s decision to amend the voters’ list, allowing citizens born or living in the territory for at least 10 years to vote.
- The indigenous Kanak community opposed the amendment, claiming it dilutes their electoral power and undermines their efforts towards decolonisation.
Demographic Breakdown:
- Kanaks make up 43% of New Caledonia‘s 145,000 population.
- Europeans (French loyalists), Wallisians, and Futunians comprise 37%.
Historical Context:
- Kanaks are the original inhabitants; France took control in 1853.
- Post-World War II, Kanaks were granted French citizenship.
- Increased migration from France in the 1960s made Kanaks a minority.
- The independence movement, led by FLNKS, emerged in 1984 due to deteriorating socio-economic status and lack of political involvement.
- Tensions between Kanaks and loyalists from 1984 to 1988 ended with the Matignon Agreements in 1988 and the Nouméa Accord in 1998, transferring powers from Paris to local authorities and allowing three referendums on independence.

Independence Referendums:
- Referendums in 2018 and 2020 favoured remaining with France.
- In 2021, Kanaks requested to postpone the third referendum due to COVID-19, but France refused, leading to a low turnout and 96% voting against independence, further infuriating the Kanaks.
Reasons for Kanak Independence:
- Post-WWII migration led to “settler colonialism,” widening social inequalities.
- Indigenous Kanaks remained labourers in the mining sector, while non-indigenous people benefited economically and politically.
- Despite France’s promises, the 2019 census showed a 32.5% poverty rate among Kanaks, compared to 9% among non-Kanaks.
- The vote to alter the electoral composition is seen as a move to end Kanak’s independence.
French Objectives:
- Achieving tactical peace to avoid violence and protect overseas French citizens, maintaining Macron’s party reputation.
- Integration is crucial for France’s Indo-Pacific strategy, as its overseas territories make it the second largest Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
- New Caledonia represents a strategic position for France in the Indo-Pacific, particularly against China, making integration necessary despite Kanak’s demands for independence.

New Caledonia:

New Caledonia is a sui generis collectivity of overseas France in the southwest Pacific Ocean, south of Vanuatu, about 1,210 km (750 mi) east of Australia, and 17,000 km (11,000 mi) from Metropolitan France.
Capital- Nouméa.
The archipelago, part of the Melanesia subregion, includes the main island of Grande Terre, the Loyalty Islands, the Chesterfield Islands, the Belep archipelago, the Isle of Pines, and a few remote islets.
The Chesterfield Islands are in the Coral Sea.