Pacific leaders complete fact-finding mission to New Caledonia

Pacific Islands Forum leaders have conducted a tour of New Caledonia.

The Forum Troika Plus delegation has been in the troubled French territory since Sunday, assessing the situation on the ground since the deadly riots in the capital Noumēa in May.

Pro-independence supporters rally in Noumēa. Photo/supplied

Thirteen people were killed, hundreds arrested, businesses torched, and thousands of workers lost their jobs.

The 13 May unrest followed French President Emmanuel Macron's announcement of plans to change the electoral rules in New Caledonia, which would allow more voting rights for non-indigenous Kanaks who want independence.

Macron sent about 6000 police and security personnel to quell the violence between pro-independence supporters and those loyal to Paris.

A curfew, imposed since May, remains across Noumēa, the government said.

The fact-finding mission was led by Forum chair and Tongan Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, and included his counterparts Mark Brown of the Cook Islands, and Sitiveni Rabuka from Fiji.

They were joined by Peter-Shanel Agovaka, Solomon Islands Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, and Forum secretary-general Baron Waqa.

The Forum Secretariat said in a statement that the leaders were taken to areas around Noumea that were badly destroyed following the political unrest. These included a public hospital and a commercial centre.

They also met with the French envoy to New Caledonia, Louis Le Franc, leaders and members of the Customary Senate, and the President of New Caledonia's Congress.

"They listened to views about the current situation as well as gauged their views on a way forward for New Caledonia.

A traditional welcome ceremony for the Troika Forum Leaders and other French government officials in Noumēa. Photo/PIF Secretariat

"As part of their fact-finding mission, our Forum Troika Plus leaders dedicated today to in-depth Talanoa with a range of stakeholders in New Caledonia.

"The leaders began by first meeting with Louis Mapou, New Caledonian President, and the Government of New Caledonia then proceeded through to the Pacific-Community-SPC campus to meet with members of the different political parties, representatives from the Health and Private Sectors as well as the youth.

"Representatives shared their perspectives on the current status of New Caledonia and their hopes for the future."

The Forum Secretariat said a "comprehensive" report on all the information gathered during the high-level mission would be compiled.

Pacific Islands Forum chair and Tonga Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni addresses officials in Noumēa. Photo/PIF Secretariat

With high public interest in the mission, Hu’akavameiliku said, “Our thoughts have always been with the people of New Caledonia since the unrest earlier this year, and we continue to offer our support.

"I am pleased that we are finally undertaking this critical mission, particularly following the Leaders discussion last month.

"This mission highlights the value of the region in coming together to help each other in times of need.”

Waqa said the mission to New Caledonia came at a pivotal time, as it navigated complex political dynamics while seeking to address the ongoing social and economic challenges in the French territory.

"By understanding local perspectives, the Forum can better support ongoing dialogue about New Caledonia’s future, all while respecting its current status," he said.

Photo/PIF Secretariat

On the final day of their visit, the Forum Troika Plus engaged with key stakeholders in the education sector, women representatives, religious leaders, and elders, as well as with local mayors.

"These discussions aimed to gather insights on the current status and challenges facing New Caledonia, post-unrest," the Forum said.

"The exchange of perspectives highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing local needs and shaping a brighter future for New Caledonia.

"Finally, the delegation visited a technical school, Lycee Petro Atiti in the suburb of Rivere Salee which was badly damaged by the events of May 13."

Brown said the fact-finding mission to New Caledonia allowed the leaders to gain a greater awareness of their situation and to appreciate the complexity of New Caledonia.