The current violence in New Caledonia is a devastating tragedy for all those living on the island, as well as for the French people who have a connection to this distant land and hope for a peaceful and prosperous future. Restoring security, ensuring access to basic necessities, maintaining public services, and reviving the economy are essential in addressing the current situation. The recent events, including murders, looting, and destruction of property, cannot be justified and must be stopped to move forward.
To overcome the current challenges, it is crucial to rekindle a desire for harmony and consensus among New Caledonian political forces, as seen in the past when the impartiality of the State guided their actions. This approach led to a peaceful civil society prevailing on the island during the necessary process of decolonization within the Republic. Reflecting on the events of 1988, when tensions were high and an assault on Ouvéa resulted in significant casualties, serves as a reminder of the importance of mutual recognition, dialogue, and development to maintain lasting peace.
The signing of the Matignon Agreements in 1988, which aimed to promote lasting peace through mutual recognition, dialogue, and development, was a significant step towards reconciliation in New Caledonia. These agreements set the stage for a referendum after ten years to decide between remaining part of France or seeking independence. Building on this foundation, a new agreement was reached in 1998, extending and deepening the autonomy of the island through a significant transfer of powers and the establishment of New Caledonian citizenship within French nationality.
Although progress was made towards reconciliation and autonomy, it became clear that more time and effort were needed to fully achieve the ambitious objectives set by the agreements. Therefore, a decision was made to seek a new agreement to avoid reopening old divisions with a binary choice. The 1998 agreement sought to address the historical trauma of colonization for the Kanak people, recognize the contributions of immigrant populations, and affirm the legitimacy of all communities to live and contribute to New Caledonia’s development.
During his time as Prime Minister in 1997, the author had the privilege of signing the new agreement in Nouméa, building on the foundations laid by the Matignon Agreements. This agreement furthered autonomy through increased local decision-making powers and established a shared narrative of the past to shape the future of New Caledonia. Economic and political responses were also provided to address the concerns of business and provincial authorities, particularly concerning the vital nickel industry. Peace prevailed on the island, and a sense of unity was fostered through governance collaboration.
