The CCAT, or Cellule de Coordination des Actions de Terrain, is an organization created by historical independence activists in New Caledonia. Formed in November 2023, its goal was to organize protests to make the state abandon plans to expand the electoral body in the region. The CCAT gained momentum as the protests grew, with up to 15,000 demonstrators on April 13th. Despite a few incidents during the visit of three ministers in February, most gatherings were peaceful and even festive, including one in Nouméa the day before the first riots.
Prominent figures in the CCAT include Christian Tein and Dominique Fochi, members of the main independence party on the island, the Union Calédonienne – the more radical faction of the Kanak Socialist Liberation Front (FLNKS) – as well as Marie-Pierre Goyetche, a member of the Union of Kanak and Exploited Workers (USTKE). The organization attracted new supporters such as families and young people, drawn to its message of gradual resistance, even up to the point of potential insurrection. In its latest statement, the CCAT reiterated its commitment to peaceful actions while also stating their unwavering dedication to achieving independence.
Calls for the dissolution of the CCAT have come from non-independence supporters, accusing the organization of engaging in violence, theft, and even murder, labeling it as “mafia-like” and claiming it is not a political group. Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin accused the CCAT of these acts, and has signed five initial orders for house arrest of individuals deemed “violent.” Further house arrest orders were announced, totaling thirty people implicated, with names withheld by the ministry. The organization continues to face criticism and scrutiny from government officials as tensions escalate.
The escalating situation has caused concern among officials, with the government attributing the recent riots and violence to the actions of the CCAT. Despite the organization’s stated commitment to non-violent actions, the perception of growing unrest and potential for further aggression has raised alarms. The government’s response, including house arrest orders and calls for the dissolution of the CCAT, reflects a tense and volatile political climate in New Caledonia, with tensions running high between independence supporters and opponents.
As tensions continue to rise, the future of the CCAT and its role in the independence movement in New Caledonia remains uncertain. While the organization has attracted a diverse range of supporters and articulated a strategy of peaceful resistance, accusations of violence and illegal activities have tarnished its image. The government’s efforts to crack down on perceived threats pose a challenge to the CCAT’s ability to mobilize and organize protests, raising questions about the effectiveness of its tactics and the potential for further escalation of violence in the region. The broader implications of these events on the political landscape of New Caledonia and the prospects for independence remain unclear, as both sides navigate a complex and fraught path toward resolution.
