21/08 • NEW CALEDONIA

The French territory, located in the South Pacific, has long struggled with tensions between the Indigenous Kanak population, who largely support independence, and those who favour continued ties to France. These divisions came to a head in May 2024, when France attempted to change voting eligibility rules, allowing more recent settlers to vote. Many Kanak leaders saw this as a direct threat to their self-determination and political voice.

The result was the worst unrest in decades: riots, roadblocks, looting, and deadly clashes left over 14 people dead and caused billions of euros in damage, particularly in Nouméa, the capital. A state of emergency was declared. The nickel industry (a pillar of New Caledonia’s economy) was severely disrupted, and thousands of residents were displaced or cut off from basic services.

But in recent months, signs of renewal have emerged. In January 2025, Alcide Ponga, a Kanak politician aligned with pro-France moderates, was elected president of New Caledonia’s Congress. His leadership has helped de-escalate tensions and revive dialogue between opposing groups.

Most significantly, in July 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron and New Caledonian leaders reached a historic agreement to redefine the territory’s political status. The deal proposes the creation of a new constitutional framework - a “State of Caledonia” - granting greater internal autonomy while remaining linked to France. 

While the agreement has been cautiously welcomed by many, some independence advocates remain sceptical, arguing that true self-determination can only be achieved through full sovereignty. Still, international observers view the framework as a potential turning point after years of stalled negotiations.