Emmanuel Macron announced a “mediation and work mission” on May 21, made up of three civil servants, which led a group of New Caledonians to come together to create the Collective Country for Dialogue (CPPLD). This movement aims to bring together citizens of different sensitivities and backgrounds who want to work to reestablish dialogue within society. Some members of the collective, such as anthropologist Patrice Godin, felt that the high-level civil service mission was inadequate given the importance of the issues at hand.
In order to lay the foundations for the restructuring of a new society model, the CPPLD believes it is important to listen to what the people have to say. Member Thierry Carpin emphasizes that if the solution once again comes from the top, the same mistakes will be repeated. Ten days after the start of the unrest, the collective went to independentist blockades, vigilant neighbor barricades, and anywhere else where people were willing to meet them. In the midst of a tense situation, the collective was the only group willing to listen and collect the anger, fear, despair, and hope of the population.
The hundreds of individual and group interviews conducted by the collective are used to create dossiers of grievances that reflect the feelings of people from all backgrounds and communities in New Caledonia. These dossiers highlight some key points, including the desire to continue building together, as well as a significant gap between political leaders and the population. This divide is exacerbated by the fact that the voice of civil society in institutions has become almost inaudible in recent years. The politicization of the Economic, Social, and Environmental Council of New Caledonia in 2021 sparked controversy, as party leaders were appointed instead of representatives from non-political general interest associations.
Pastor Var Kaemo, president of the Protestant Church of Kanaky New Caledonia and a member of the collective, believes that there is a lack of sincere discussion spaces, and emphasizes the importance of debate in elevating a people. The collective’s goal is to promote dialogue and understanding among all members of society, regardless of their political affiliations or backgrounds. By giving a voice to the citizens and focusing on the concerns and aspirations of the population, the CPPLD aims to pave the way for a more inclusive and participatory decision-making process in New Caledonia.
Overall, the Collective Country for Dialogue (CPPLD) in New Caledonia is a grassroots movement that seeks to foster a more inclusive and participatory society by listening to the grievances and aspirations of all citizens. By engaging with people from all backgrounds and communities, the collective aims to bridge the gap between political leaders and the population and create a more open and transparent decision-making process. The CPPLD believes that genuine dialogue and debate are essential in building a stronger and more united society in New Caledonia, and their efforts are focused on promoting understanding, cooperation, and mutual respect among all members of society.
