May 15, 2024
Are the last vestiges of colonisation coming to an end in the Pacific?
Posted On May 15, 2024
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Image: The French tricolour and the Kanak flag Photo: 123rf
The last vestiges of French Colonisation in the Pacific are risking a deadly end but to be frank the French have no right here. Need I remind people about Nuclear testing and Mururoa Atoll or the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior? The truth is uncomfortable for the French because there has been a long struggle by the Indigenous Kanaks to see them gone. The latest referendum and now violence across the island shows that. I find it ironic that a great number of our young people are deeply entrenched in profiling the Palestinian conflict but they might want to look closer to home because there are things happening in our back yard that deserve our close attention and scrutiny . New Zealand’s involvement in the Kanak independence movement is primarily diplomatic. In the 1980s, during a period of significant unrest and violence in New Caledonia, New Zealand, along with Australia, acted as a mediator between the French government and Kanak independence leaders. This period was marked by the Ouvea hostage crisis in 1988, which highlighted the urgent need for peaceful resolution and negotiations.
New Zealand supported the Matignon Accords of 1988, which were designed to bring peace to the region by promoting economic development and political reforms. The accords were a result of negotiations between French authorities and Kanak leaders, facilitated by international attention and pressure, including that from New Zealand. The Kanak independence movement represents a long-standing and resilient struggle by the indigenous Kanak people of New Caledonia for sovereignty and self-determination. Situated in the Pacific Ocean, New Caledonia is an archipelago that has been under French colonial rule since 1853. The movement for independence has deep historical roots, shaped by cultural preservation, economic disparities, and political aspirations.
New Caledonia’s colonial history began when France took possession of the islands in the mid-19th century. The Kanak people, who have inhabited the region for over 3,000 years, faced significant disruptions to their way of life. Land dispossession, the introduction of European diseases, and the imposition of foreign governance structures profoundly affected Kanak society. Despite these challenges, the Kanak people have maintained a distinct cultural identity through their languages, customs, and traditional systems of governance.
The modern Kanak independence movement gained momentum in the 1970s and 1980s, driven by a desire to reclaim autonomy and address inequalities perpetuated by French colonial rule. Key organizations, such as the Front de Libération Nationale Kanak et Socialiste (FLNKS), emerged as leading voices advocating for independence. The FLNKS, founded in 1984, united various pro-independence groups and called for political, economic, and cultural reforms.
Tensions escalated into violence in the 1980s, culminating in the Ouvea hostage crisis in 1988, where a confrontation between Kanak militants and French security forces resulted in fatalities. In response to the unrest, the French government initiated negotiations with Kanak leaders, leading to the Matignon Accords in 1988. These agreements aimed to promote economic development and political reform, providing a framework for greater Kanak participation in local governance.
The subsequent Nouméa Accord of 1998 was a significant milestone, outlining a gradual process of devolution of powers from France to New Caledonia over a 20-year period. This accord promised a referendum on independence, allowing the people of New Caledonia to decide their future status.
New Caledonia has held three referendums on independence, in 2018, 2020, and 2021. Each referendum saw a majority voting to remain part of France, though the margins were relatively narrow, reflecting a deeply divided populace. The 2021 referendum, which saw a significant boycott by pro-independence groups due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulted in a decisive vote against independence.
Despite the outcomes, the Kanak independence movement remains vibrant. Pro-independence leaders argue that socio-economic disparities and cultural preservation are critical issues that need addressing, regardless of the referendum results. They continue to advocate for greater autonomy and recognition of Kanak identity and rights within the framework of French governance or through eventual independence.
The path to independence or greater autonomy for New Caledonia is fraught with challenges. Economic dependency on France, coupled with internal divisions within the Kanak community and the broader population, complicates the movement’s objectives. Additionally, the geopolitical interests of regional powers and the strategic importance of New Caledonia add layers of complexity to the independence discourse.
However, the resilience and determination of the Kanak people suggest that their quest for self-determination will persist. Whether through continued negotiations with the French government, grassroots activism, or future referendums, the Kanak independence movement remains a potent force in shaping the political landscape of New Caledonia.
In conclusion, the Kanak independence movement is not just a political struggle but a profound assertion of identity, culture, and the right to self-governance. It encapsulates the enduring spirit of the Kanak people and their unwavering commitment to a future where their heritage and autonomy are respected and upheld.
Personally not only would I kick the French out – id send in our people to offer safe passage to Kanak leaders – whatever happens as French security reinforcements arrive on the islands we should not let this issue escape our attention.
Matthew Tukaki is Chairman of the National Māori Authority and General Manager UMA Broadcasting Ltd, Ngāi Te Rangi
Radio Waatea and its board would like to advise that the opinions expressed in this article are those of Matthew Tukaki and not necessarily the views of Radio Waatea, its Management or its Board.