Manuel Valls to Dedicate Time to the Reconciliation of New Caledonia
Manuel Valls is set to "devote considerable time" to his trip to New Caledonia. The Minister for Overseas Territories is expected in Nouméa this weekend for a stay of at least one week.
This will be his first visit to the archipelago since his return to the government. On his schedule: meetings with political groups, economic representatives, and citizens who have all been traumatized by the outbreak of violence that erupted on May 13.
To appease Caledonian society, the former prime minister hopes to reach a new "comprehensive" political agreement on the future of the archipelago. Through a constitutional reform, he aims to finalize the decolonization process that began with the Matignon Accords in 1988 and was extended by those of Nouméa ten years later. "This path, the only one possible for all, must be completed," he declared.
"I’m approaching New Caledonia with a method of dialogue and principles: never forget the Nouméa Accords and our determination to move beyond the events of May 13. We must progress," the minister remarked in an interview with Le Figaro.
A Tensed Situation
The French overseas collectivity has been living in a climate of instability since May 13, when supporters of the pro-independence Kanak and Socialist Liberation Front (FLNKS) rioted in Nouméa to condemn the imprisonment of a Kanak activist sentenced for killing a pro-French independence supporter.
The violence, which lasted several hours, left one dead, several others injured, and significant property damage. It exposed deep divisions within Caledonian society and reignited the debate over the future of the archipelago.
A Complex and Delicate Mission
Manuel Valls’s mission is both complex and delicate. He must find a way to appease tensions, promote dialogue, and lay the foundations for a new political agreement that is acceptable to all parties.
This will require a thorough understanding of the history and current dynamics of the conflict. It will also demand a great deal of listening and negotiation skills.
A New Constitutional Framework
The centerpiece of Valls’s plan is a constitutional reform that would provide a new framework for the governance of New Caledonia. Specifically, he proposes:
- Reinforcing the autonomy of the archipelago within the French Republic
- Recognizing the Kanak people’s identity and their right to self-determination
- Establishing a new electoral system that would guarantee fair representation for all communities
A Gradual Approach
Valls emphasizes that this process must be gradual and inclusive. He intends to engage with all stakeholders, both within and outside the institutions, to ensure that the final agreement reflects the aspirations of the Caledonian people.
‘The Only Possible Path’
Despite the challenges ahead, Valls remains optimistic about the prospects for a peaceful and prosperous future for New Caledonia. He believes that dialogue, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to the well-being of the archipelago can prevail over division and violence.
"This path, the only possible one for all, must be completed," he insists. "I have faith in the ability of the Caledonian people to overcome adversity and build together a common future."
