Manuel Valls’ Tumultuous Visit to New Caledonia as Minister of Overseas Territories
Arrival Amidst Protests
On February 22nd, 2024, Manuel Valls’ arrival in New Caledonia as Minister of Overseas Territories was met with a heated confrontation with pro-French loyalist protesters. The former Prime Minister, dispatched to facilitate a political agreement between pro-independence and non-independence factions, immediately faced the disapproval of approximately 500 loyalist demonstrators.
Loyalist Anger over Nouméa Accords
Valls’ assertion before his visit that the Nouméa Accords of 1998 "must be implemented" sparked outrage among loyalists. Non-independence parties denounced this statement as a denial of the three self-determination referendums held in 2018, 2020, and 2021, all resulting in a "no" vote on independence.
Meeting with Protesters
Following a wreath-laying ceremony met with whistles, anti-independence chants, and cries of "No pasaran" ("They shall not pass"), Valls approached the protesters on Saturday. Amidst the turmoil, he stated, "You should not believe what you are being told. Why would you not remain French?"
Valls emphasized that his recent media statements merely reiterated the French Constitution’s provisions regarding New Caledonia, which remains deeply divided between loyalists and pro-independence factions.
Acknowledging Fears and Seeking Dialogue
To assuage concerns, Valls conveyed, "I understand the fear you feel. I came here to make announcements regarding the economy and attempt to restart discussions. New Caledonia has no future without economic development and a minimum of peace."
Background of Violence
In May 2024, a wave of violence erupted in the archipelago after the Senate and National Assembly passed a constitutional bill, supported by loyalists, aimed at expanding the electoral roll for the provincial elections scheduled for later that year. The pro-independence camp fiercely opposed this bill, claiming it would marginalize indigenous voters. The unrest resulted in 14 deaths, over two billion euros in damage, and the destruction of approximately 20% of the local GDP. President Emmanuel Macron subsequently suspended the controversial legislation in June.
Protesters’ Demands and Concerns
During the protest, a woman carrying a sign that read "This is France, voting rights for all" expressed, "Enough with the betrayals."
Nicolas Metzdorf, a non-independence member of parliament for the Ensemble pour la République (EPR) party, stated, "We warned the minister not to make statements before the negotiations to maintain a calm atmosphere for discussions. The proof is in the pudding."
In the wake of a tribute to Nicolas Molinari, a gendarme killed in a firefight on May 15th, Metzdorf engaged in a heated exchange with Valls over the use of the term "first people" to describe the Kanaks, as defined in the French Constitution.
Metzdorf asserted, "Everyone must feel like a Caledonian, everyone must feel like the first in New Caledonia. We are all on the same ladder, on the same level. From the moment you create a hierarchy of populations on an island, it cannot work."
Valls’ Mission and Dialogic Approach
Valls is expected to remain in the French territory in the South Pacific for eight days, during which time he plans to meet with political, economic, and community stakeholders. He has also expressed his intention to travel extensively.
In an interview with Franceinfo prior to his departure, Valls emphasized the need for "dialogue to calm things down" and "not to rush things."
