On Saturday, Christian Tein, the leader of New Caledonia's pro-independence party, called on supporters to continue resisting French government efforts to implement electoral reforms. These reforms are feared by the Indigenous Kanak people to further marginalize them.
In a video message posted on social media, Tein urged protesters to continue the resistance but make sure the barricades allow the transport of essential supplies like fuel, food, and medicine. However, he insisted that the barricades would stay until house arrest warrants for several party members are lifted and the proposed electoral reform is scrapped.
Tein's message came after a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, who visited the territory following unrest that left seven people dead.
Macron emphasized that the state of emergency, imposed on May 15 to enhance police powers, could only be lifted if local leaders called for the removal of the barricades.
Despite Macron's push for calm, tensions remain high across the archipelago. The state of emergency includes a curfew, a ban on public gatherings, and restrictions on the transport of weapons and the sale of alcohol.
Tein's party has organized peaceful protests against the electoral reform for the past months. The recent unrest was sparked by a demonstration against the reform that turned violent.
The proposed reform would allow newer French residents to vote in local elections, a move that many Kanaks, who make up about 40% of the population, fear will dilute their political influence.
During his visit, Macron stated that he would not force through the reform in the current climate and called for local leaders to engage in dialogue to find a solution.
Macron suggested that a new political agreement could lead to another referendum on the territory’s status. Previous referendums, held between 2018 and 2021, resulted in votes against independence, although the last was boycotted by pro-independence groups.
The unrest highlights long-standing issues of inequality in New Caledonia. The poverty rate among Kanaks is significantly higher than among non-Kanaks, and there are stark disparities in education and employment. The control over the resources, particularly the nickel industry are largely in the hands of the French state and companies.
