The CCAT, or Cellule de Coordination des Actions de Terrain, is an organization that was created by historical independence activists in New Caledonia. Formed in November 2023, its purpose was to organize protests in order to pressure the government to abandon plans to change the electoral system in the territory. The CCAT gained momentum with the increasing number of participants in its protests, with up to 15,000 demonstrators on April 13. Despite the peaceful nature of most of these gatherings, tensions escalated leading up to the first outbreaks of violence.
Key figures in the CCAT include Christian Tein and Dominique Fochi, members of the main independence party on the island, the Union calédonienne. They are supported by individuals such as Marie-Pierre Goyetche from the Union syndicale des travailleurs kanaks et exploités. The CCAT has managed to attract new supporters, including families and young people, drawn to its message of gradual resistance that could potentially lead to full-scale insurrection. In their latest statement, the CCAT reiterated their commitment to peaceful actions while reaffirming their ultimate goal of achieving independence for New Caledonia.
Despite the CCAT’s insistence on non-violence, government officials have accused the organization of being involved in criminal activities such as looting and murder. The Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin, has labeled the CCAT as “mafia-like, violent, engaged in looting, and murders”, claiming that it is not a political entity. In response, Darmanin has issued arrest warrants for five individuals, with more expected to follow, bringing the total number of targeted individuals to thirty. The Ministry has not disclosed the names of those facing charges.
The calls for the dissolution of the CCAT have come primarily from non-independence supporters who view the organization as a threat to public safety and order. The government has taken a firm stance against the CCAT, accusing it of sowing violence and chaos in the territory. However, supporters of the CCAT see it as a legitimate means of expressing their desire for self-determination and independence from French rule. The conflicting views on the CCAT have exacerbated tensions within New Caledonian society, raising concerns about the potential for further escalation of violence.
As the situation in New Caledonia continues to unfold, both sides remain entrenched in their positions, with the CCAT refusing to back down from their demands for independence and the government cracking down on perceived threats to public order. The escalating tensions have led to a state of uncertainty and fear among the population, with many hoping for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. It remains to be seen how the conflict will be resolved and whether a compromise can be reached that addresses the grievances of all parties involved.
