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Picture Courtesy:  THE HINDU

Context:

New Caledonia faces renewed unrest after failed political talks on its future status with France.

New Caledonia

It is a French territory in the South Pacific, demanding for independence from a colonial history that began in 1853 when France seized the archipelago.

Indigenous Kanak people, who now form about 40% of the population, faced marginalization as European and Polynesian settlers arrived, reducing Kanaks to a minority. The historical injustice fuels the ongoing demand for independence, led by the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS).

Despite three referendums (2018, 2020, and 2021) rejecting independence, the issue continues due to controversies, particularly the boycott of the 2021 referendum by pro-independence groups.

France governs New Caledonia as a sui generis collectivity, granting it unique autonomy within the French Republic.  

1998 Nouméa Accord

It emerged from the 1988 Matignon Accords, which ended violent clashes between Kanak independence fighters and loyalists that claimed over 90 lives. The Accord aimed to promote peace, promote decolonization, and balance the rights of Kanaks and settlers.

Its key provisions include:

Unique Autonomy => The Accord grants New Caledonia a sui generis status, distinct from other French territories. It establishes a local Congress with law-making powers, a government led by a president (pro-independence since 2021), and three semi-autonomous provinces: South (loyalist-majority), North, and Loyalty Islands (Kanak-majority).

Restricted Electoral Roll => To protect Kanak political representation, the Accord “freezes” the electorate for provincial elections and referendums, limiting voting to those residing in New Caledonia before 1998 and their descendants with continuous residency. This excludes about 20% newer residents, ensuring Kanak voices remain influential.

New Caledonian Citizenship => It introduces a unique citizenship alongside French citizenship, reinforcing local identity and restricting certain political rights to long-term residents.

Decolonization Path => The Accord acknowledges the “trauma” of Kanak colonization and commits to a 20-year transition toward greater autonomy, with provisions to transfer powers like education and trade, though sovereignty powers (army, police, judiciary, currency) remain with France.

The Accord transformed New Caledonia into a model of power-sharing, earning international recognition. However, its expiration after the 2021 referendum and the boycott by FLNKS, citing COVID-19 restrictions and Kanak mourning rituals, left its outcomes contested, fueling ongoing demands for a new agreement.

Possibility of independence depends on;

• Political Agreement => A new accord replacing the Nouméa Accord could offer a pathway to shared sovereignty or full independence, but talks have repeatedly failed.
• International Support => Pro-independence groups appeal to bodies like the Pacific Islands Forum and the UN for legitimacy.
• Economic Viability => New Caledonia’s nickel industry and dependence on French financial aid pose challenges to an independent economy.
• Social Stability => Persistent tensions and recent violence highlight the need for a mutual solution to avoid further unrest.

While independence remains doubtful after three referendum defeats, moderate pro-independence groups express openness to “sovereignty in partnership,” suggesting a compromise where New Caledonia gains greater autonomy while maintaining ties with France. 

Source: 

THE HINDU

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Which of the following sequences is correct about the location of islands in the Indian Ocean from North to South? A) Diego Garcia - Mauritius - Agalega Islands - Seychelles B) Diego Garcia - Agalega Islands - Seychelles - Mauritius  C)  Seychelles - Mauritius - Diego Garcia - Agalega Islands  D) Seychelles - Diego Garcia - Agalega Islands - Mauritius Answer: D Explanation: The correct answer is: D) Seychelles - Diego Garcia - Agalega Islands - Mauritius