The FLNKS held an extraordinary congress in Pagou, Koumac, which marked the appointment of Christian Tein as president. Tein, a prominent leader in the independence movement, had been in provisional detention in France since June 23rd for his alleged involvement in the violent protests that had resulted in eleven deaths in New Caledonia. This congress was significant as it ended a leadership vacuum that had existed since 2001, with a rotating leadership system that had led to a lack of direction and contributed to the failure of the independence movement. The appointment of Tein was seen as a step towards reconciliation within the FLNKS and a recognition of the importance of mobilization and political engagement.
Laurie Humuni, the secretary general of the Rassemblement démocratique océanien, praised the congress as a moment of reconciliation for the FLNKS with the indigenous population and the youth. The CCAT, an independence organization implicated in the protests, was acknowledged as a political mobilization tool. This marked a shift within the FLNKS, with hardline nationalist groups finally gaining recognition alongside the four historical components of the movement. However, not all parties were in agreement with the decisions made at the congress, with moderate parties like the UPM and Palika choosing not to participate due to disagreements with the agenda. The FLNKS faced accusations of risking internal division as a result of the congress.
Non-independence groups viewed Christian Tein as a terrorist and criticized the FLNKS for appointing him as president. They saw it as a provocative move that tainted the image of the FLNKS and questioned its legitimacy as a negotiating partner. The controversy surrounding Tein’s appointment highlighted the deep divisions within New Caledonia society over the issue of independence. The congress also raised concerns about the potential for further violence and unrest in the region, as tensions between independence and non-independence groups continued to simmer.
The FLNKS congress was seen as a turning point in the independence movement in New Caledonia, with the appointment of Christian Tein as president symbolizing a new chapter of leadership and mobilization. The reconciliation efforts within the FLNKS were praised as a step towards unity and engagement with the indigenous population and youth. However, the decision to appoint Tein was met with criticism from non-independence groups, who saw it as a divisive move that undermined the credibility of the FLNKS as a political entity. The congress highlighted the complex and fragile nature of the independence movement in New Caledonia, with deep-seated tensions and divisions threatening to escalate into further violence.
Overall, the FLNKS congress in Pagou marked a significant moment in the history of the independence movement in New Caledonia. The appointment of Christian Tein as president signaled a shift in leadership and a renewed focus on mobilization and political engagement within the movement. The congress was praised for its efforts towards reconciliation and unity, but also faced criticism and backlash from non-independence groups who viewed the appointment of Tein as controversial. The future of the FLNKS and the independence movement in New Caledonia remains uncertain, with ongoing tensions and divisions threatening to undermine progress towards a peaceful resolution.
