The Protestant Federation of France (FPF), which played a crucial role in the dialogue mission in New Caledonia in 1988, has called on the French State to “reconnect with a spirit of listening and a more neutral position” in the New Caledonian crisis. This would help “promote the resumption of respectful dialogue and the healing of wounds on all sides,” the FPF stated in a press release while President Emmanuel Macron is en route to New Caledonia. The FPF highlights the significant role of the Churches, especially the Protestant Federation of France, in the dialogue mission initiated in 1988 by Prime Minister Michel Rocard to address the violence that had escalated after the assault on the Ouvéa cave in May 1988.
The mission, which included the then-president of the FPF, Jacques Stewart, led to the Matignon Accords two months later, marking a reconciliation through economic restructuring and political power-sharing. The President of the FPF, Christian Krieger, who visited New Caledonia in November, has offered the services of his federation to participate in any operation aimed at easing tensions, reestablishing dialogue between independence supporters and loyalists, and working with local Churches to heal the wounds of memory. The FPF notes that New Caledonia has a population that is 98% Christian, with one-third being Protestant. The local Protestant Church had already expressed support for independence back in 1979.
The FPF states that the process of the Matignon and Nouméa Accords (in 1998) is currently stalled, and it condemns the devastating riots in New Caledonia as a sign that the Kanak youth have not found the social promise of the Republic, nor that of the local authorities. Historical Catholic and Protestant Churches in New Caledonia issued a joint message to all Christians on Pentecost Monday, urging an end to violence and calling on elected officials to use all means at their disposal to reestablish dialogue and work towards a political solution for a shared future of peace and harmony. The FPF emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and addressing the grievances and needs of the Kanak youth in order to achieve lasting peace and stability in New Caledonia.
President Macron’s visit to New Caledonia has reignited discussions around the unresolved issues that continue to impact the region since the Matignon Accords. The FPF’s call for a return to dialogue and the healing of divided memories echoes a broader need for reconciliation and peace in New Caledonia. The involvement of Churches, particularly Protestant ones, in facilitating dialogue and addressing social and political challenges is seen as a crucial element in the path towards a shared future for all residents. The FPF’s emphasis on the significance of New Caledonia’s Christian population and the potential for religious institutions to play a positive role in promoting understanding and reconciliation marks a unique approach to conflict resolution in the region.
As international attention turns to New Caledonia in light of recent violence and unrest, the FPF’s message of peace, dialogue, and healing resonates with local efforts to address the underlying issues that have fueled tensions in the region. By highlighting the role of Churches and religious communities in promoting reconciliation and social cohesion, the FPF underscores the importance of engaging diverse perspectives and voices in the search for a sustainable and inclusive solution to the challenges facing New Caledonia. The call for a return to the spirit of the Matignon Accords and a renewed commitment to dialogue reflects a broader desire for peace and stability in the region, grounded in the values of mutual respect and understanding. Through collaborative efforts between different stakeholders, including the French State, local authorities, and religious organizations, there is hope for a future in which the people of New Caledonia can live together in harmony and prosperity.
