New Caledonia

In Depth Subscribers only

New Caledonia: The Pacific franc – a colonial legacy turned identity issue

The archipelago retains its currency, shared with Polynesia and Wallis and Futuna. While the business community would like the greater fluidity of joining the euro, the island's independence movement is fiercely opposed.

Published on May 31, 2024, at 2:05 am (Paris), updated on May 31, 2024, at 8:28 am Elsa Conesa

In Depth Subscribers only

New Caledonia: Will EU elections be held as planned in French Pacific territory?

The overseas territory has just emerged from a state of emergency after weeks of riots and unrest. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal tells Le Monde the government will do 'everything necessary to ensure that the elections take place' on June 9, like in the rest of France.

Published on May 30, 2024, at 5:24 pm (Paris) Nathalie Segaunes

News

France lifts TikTok ban in New Caledonia as calm returns

Part of emergency measures put in place following a wave of unrest in the French overseas territory, the French government's unprecedented local ban on TikTok has raised legal questions and fueled suspicions of foreign interference in the territory.

Published on May 29, 2024, at 11:50 am (Paris), updated on May 29, 2024, at 11:54 am Le Monde with AFP

News

France lifts state of emergency in New Caledonia

While the archipelago has been quieter in recent days, some disturbances were reported in the capital city Nouméa. There have been nearly 500 arrests since the unrest started.

Published on May 28, 2024, at 9:57 am (Paris), updated on May 28, 2024, at 10:07 am Le Monde with AFP

News

New Caledonia: Former footballer Karembeu says two relatives were killed in unrest

Christian Karembeu, a former French football star who is a Kanak – a member of New Caledonia's Indigenous people – spoke for te first time about the unrest in the French Pacific territory in an interview with Europe 1 radio.

Published on May 28, 2024, at 9:48 am (Paris), updated on May 28, 2024, at 10:05 am Le Monde with AP

Op-Ed Subscribers only

New Caledonia: 'No colonial society can last forever'

Writer Eric Vuillard expresses his alarm at the French authorities' reaction to what is happening in the archipelago and deplores the French president's blindness to the Kanak.

Published on May 28, 2024, at 4:17 am (Paris), updated on May 28, 2024, at 7:42 am Eric Vuillard

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New Caledonia: Rural villagers fear the violence will spread

To avoid the spread of violence, local figures, concerned about the hatred that the insurrection has resurrected between 'Whites' and Kanak, continue to talk to the young rioters.

Published on May 27, 2024, at 12:30 pm (Paris), updated on May 27, 2024, at 12:36 pm Nathalie Guibert

News analysis Subscribers only

Macron's New Caledonia voting reform: A provocation or a faux pas?

The French president had told French daily 'Le Parisien' that he had considered a referendum over an electoral reform in the archipelago, before walking back his comments on Sunday.

Published on May 27, 2024, at 10:51 am (Paris) Nathalie Segaunes

News

New Caledonia: State of emergency to be lifted in efforts to allow political dialogue

Some 480 additional gendarmes are to arrive on the archipelago 'in the next few hours.' The unrest has left seven people dead and a trail of destruction.

Published on May 27, 2024, at 1:29 am (Paris), updated on May 27, 2024, at 7:33 am Le Monde with AP

Feature Subscribers only

In New Caledonia, after Macron's visit, the movement continues in pro-independence areas

The French president's visit to the archipelago failed to convince opponents of electoral reform. Pro-independence activists are calling for continued mobilization, in the wake of the death of a 48-year-old man, killed by a policeman during an altercation. The evacuation of French tourists has begun.

Published on May 26, 2024, at 1:08 pm (Paris) Charlotte Mannevy

News

New Caledonia's Nouméa airport will remain closed to commercial flights until June 2

The airport's operator said on Sunday that it would remain closed to commercial flights, extending the shutdown to nearly three weeks in total.

Published on May 26, 2024, at 11:19 am (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

News

First French tourists evacuated from New Caledonia

The tourists left on Saturday in military planes heading for Australia and New Zealand.

Published on May 25, 2024, at 5:02 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

Editorial

France blocking TikTok in New Caledonia sets an unfortunate precedent

Whatever the potential impact of China's social media on public order in the archipelago, the government's measure appears disproportionate. It places France on a par with countries that have as little regard for freedom of expression as they do for human rights.

Published on May 25, 2024, at 11:53 am (Paris) Le Monde

News analysis Subscribers only

The TikTok ban in New Caledonia is a first in France that raises rule-of-law questions

By banning TikTok on part of France's territory, the government has set a precedent that runs counter to the usual practices of democratic countries.

Published on May 24, 2024, at 5:00 pm (Paris), updated on May 29, 2024, at 11:46 am Damien Leloup

News

New Caledonia: Police kill man, seventh death in unrest in French Pacific territory

A 48-year-old man was killed after attacking police officers, a prosecutor said. The officer who fired the shots was taken into custody.

Published on May 24, 2024, at 11:55 am (Paris), updated on May 24, 2024, at 2:35 pm Le Monde with AFP

Editorial

New Caledonia needs a change of method

Macron's promise not to 'force through' an electoral reform, and his desire to put any future 'global agreement' to a vote, are steps in the right direction. He must admit that ultimatums and chin-wagging have led to nothing but violence.

Published on May 24, 2024, at 11:42 am (Paris), updated on May 24, 2024, at 11:43 am Le Monde

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In New Caledonia, Macron looks to appease and calls for renewed dialogue

The president pledged not to 'force through' the proposed reform of the electoral body which is at the root of the tensions in the French territory in the Pacific Ocean. He conditioned the lifting of the state of emergency on an end to the roadblocks.

Published on May 24, 2024, at 10:48 am (Paris) Nathalie Guibert

News

New Caledonia: Macron says he won't force through contested voting reform

On a visit to the French territory in the Pacific, the president met with loyalist and pro-independence leaders after riots over a plan to reform the local voter lists.

Published on May 23, 2024, at 4:46 pm (Paris), updated on May 23, 2024, at 10:48 pm Le Monde with AP

News

In riot-hit New Caledonia, Macron says priority is return to calm

The French president arrived Thursday in Nouméa to meet political and business leaders, seeking an end to more than a week of violence he described as an 'unprecedented insurrection.'

Published on May 23, 2024, at 2:05 am (Paris), updated on May 23, 2024, at 10:23 am Le Monde with AP and AFP

In Depth Subscribers only

New Caledonia: Cyberattack denounced by authorities is not quite 'unprecedented'

Internet access was briefly disrupted on Tuesday night in the archipelago. The exact details of the cyberattack denounced by the local authorities are still unclear.

Published on May 22, 2024, at 5:34 pm (Paris) Damien Leloup

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Video

Why is New Caledonia's electoral reform sparking riots?

The French territory in the Pacific Ocean is experiencing its most serious tensions since the 1980s due to a new reform of the electoral body. Le Monde explains what's at stake.

Published on May 22, 2024, at 5:00 pm (Paris), updated on May 22, 2024, at 5:20 pm Arthur Eryeh-Fort Mélody Da Fonseca Diana Liu 03:43

News

How is the violent unrest in New Caledonia impacting global nickel prices?

Global nickel prices have skyrocketed since deadly violence erupted last week in the French territory that holds between 20-30% of the world's nickel reserves.

Published on May 22, 2024, at 12:47 pm (Paris), updated on May 22, 2024, at 1:07 pm Le Monde with AP

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New Caledonia: Macron wants to regain control with surprise visit

The French president took off for Nouméa on Tuesday evening, eight days after the start of riots in the archipelago. The city is still the scene of localized clashes.

Published on May 22, 2024, at 10:51 am (Paris), updated on May 22, 2024, at 10:52 am Nathalie Guibert Nathalie Segaunes

News

French president flies to riot-struck New Caledonia

President Macron has flown to New Caledonia amid the deadliest unrest in four decades blamed on French plans to give voting rights to thousands of non-indigenous residents.

Published on May 22, 2024, at 9:00 am (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

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New Caledonia riots: 'Republican order has not been restored,' say loyalists

At a press conference in Nouméa, the leaders of New Caledonia's right-wing party denounced the violence committed by the pro-independence camp and insisted that the time for an agreement had not yet come.

Published on May 22, 2024, at 3:33 am (Paris), updated on May 22, 2024, at 8:00 am Nathalie Guibert

In Depth Subscribers only

New Caledonia: Macron's ultimatum strategy

As with the pension reform and the immigration law, the president uses the same approach in the New Caledonian issue: control the schedule and set a negotiation deadline. While effective in business, this tactic creates distrust and divisions in politics.

Published on May 22, 2024, at 12:47 am (Paris), updated on May 22, 2024, at 7:28 am Nathalie Segaunes

Op-Ed Subscribers only

'Restricting TikTok in New Caledonia cannot be deemed necessary or proportionate'

Stefania Di Stefano, a specialist in international law, warns of the weak legal basis for blocking the mobile app in the archipelago. This measure is 'unprecedented in France.'

Published on May 21, 2024, at 4:27 pm (Paris) Stefania Di Stefano

News

Macron will make surprise visit to New Caledonia amid riots

A government spokeswoman announced that the French president will leave on Tuesday evening in an attempt to soothe raging tempers and protests in the French territory.

Published on May 21, 2024, at 3:11 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

Feature Subscribers only

New Caledonia: Pro-independence activism in doubt but firmly established on the ground

Despite the intervention of 2,700 gendarmes, police and military personnel, calm has not returned to the archipelago. While waiting for a political solution to emerge, activists continue to mobilize at the roadblocks, even if some young rioters are showing signs of weariness.

Published on May 21, 2024, at 10:49 am (Paris) Charlotte Mannevy

Interview Subscribers only

New Caledonia: 'The Kanak standard of living remains lower on average than that of other communities'

Researcher Pierre-Yves Le Meur highlights the importance of the nickel mining industry to the archipelago's economy, and its socio-economic consequences.

Published on May 21, 2024, at 2:41 am (Paris), updated on May 21, 2024, at 8:04 am Elsa Conesa

Interview Subscribers only

Mayor of New Caledonia's capital: 'We need a pause in the institutional reform and unfreezing of the electorate'

Sonia Lagarde, a supporter of Emmanuel Macron since 2017, urges the French president to take time to reform of the electoral body, which sparked riots in the territory in the Pacific territory. In an interview, she calls for 'appeasement.'

Published on May 20, 2024, at 12:20 pm (Paris), updated on May 20, 2024, at 12:21 pm Charlotte Mannevy

News

New Caledonia: Pro-independence protesters defy government efforts to unblock roads

French officials said they had cleared 76 barricades between the airport and Nouméa, the capital of the French territory in the Pacific Ocean.

Published on May 20, 2024, at 9:36 am (Paris), updated on May 20, 2024, at 7:01 pm Le Monde with AFP

Long Read Subscribers only

New Caledonia: The three years that built up to the current crisis

Although the reform of the electoral body provoked the anger of the pro-independence faction before spilling over into violent riots, it was only the detonator of a long crisis marked by a dialogue in disarray, a questioned impartiality of the state, and the will to move forward despite a dwindling consensus.

Published on May 19, 2024, at 7:42 pm (Paris) Nathalie Guibert

News

New Caledonia: France says it will restore order 'whatever the cost'

French forces cleared dozens of barricades between the airport and the capital Nouméa in an operation on Sunday, as the country's top official in the Pacific territory vowed to quell riots.

Published on May 19, 2024, at 1:49 pm (Paris), updated on May 19, 2024, at 1:52 pm Le Monde with AFP

News

New Caledonia: French forces launch 'major operation' to regain road linking Nouméa to main airport

French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said 'a major operation of more than 600 gendarmes' was being launched 'aimed at completely regaining control of the 60 kilometers main road' and allowing the airport to reopen.

Published on May 19, 2024, at 5:29 am (Paris), updated on May 19, 2024, at 1:49 pm Le Monde with AFP

News Subscribers only

New Caledonia's nickel: Key resource for archipelago and pro-independence movement

The sector accounts for a quarter of direct and indirect employment, but it has been devastated by the cost of energy. For the pro-independence movement, control of this resource remains crucial to achieving full sovereignty.

Published on May 18, 2024, at 7:25 pm (Paris), updated on May 18, 2024, at 7:28 pm Jean-Michel Bezat

News

New Caledonia removed from Olympic torch's route following unrest

The French territory in the Pacific Ocean is under a state of emergency since violent clashes have broken out as French lawmakers adopted a constitutional reform to change voter lists there.

Published on May 18, 2024, at 7:16 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AP

Explainer Subscribers only

New Caledonia: Why are there so many guns in the French Pacific territory?

French authorities estimate that there is one firearm for every four inhabitants on the archipelago's main island, Grande Terre.

Published on May 18, 2024, at 4:24 pm (Paris), updated on May 18, 2024, at 4:24 pm Leslie Souvanlasy

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New Caledonia: Partial calm but gunfire in French territory under state of emergency

A sixth person was killed in the archipelago on Saturday, following an exchange of fire in the North Province.

Published on May 18, 2024, at 11:16 am (Paris) Nathalie Guibert

News

New Caledonia: One killed, two injured in new shooting

Six people have now died since Monday in the French territory in the Pacific Ocean, which has seen a resurgence of violence as France's Parliament moves to reform the local electoral register.

Published on May 18, 2024, at 9:09 am (Paris), updated on May 18, 2024, at 11:41 am Le Monde with AFP

In Depth

New Caledonia: Six questions to understand the current crisis

Tensions in the French overseas territory exploded on May 13, leaving 5 people dead and dozens injured four days later. The government declared a state of emergency on May 15.

Published on May 17, 2024, at 5:06 pm (Paris), updated on May 17, 2024, at 6:05 pm Les Décodeurs

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South Pacific countries are watching France and how it handles New Caledonia situation

The region's island nations are paying close attention to the violent crisis shaking the French overseas territory, and are calling for a return to dialogue in the archipelago.

Published on May 17, 2024, at 3:23 pm (Paris) Isabelle Dellerba

In Depth Subscribers only

New Caledonia's economy is collapsing

After a fourth night of unrest in the French overseas territory, nothing seems to be able to stop the destruction of the archipelago's economy. The government convened a crisis unit on Thursday to assess the situation.

Published on May 17, 2024, at 11:34 am (Paris) Mathurin Derel

News

New Caledonia sees fourth night of unrest, but French government reports situation 'calmer'

According to the French government a school and two businesses were set on fire on Thursday night and certain areas have 'escaped' state control.

Published on May 17, 2024, at 4:09 am (Paris), updated on May 17, 2024, at 9:55 am Le Monde with AFP

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Azerbaijan interference in New Caledonia is just part of the story

The French government has accused Baku of aggravating the situation on the island, but while the country's role in past destabilization campaigns is undeniable, its involvement in the current tensions is uncertain.

Published on May 17, 2024, at 1:10 am (Paris), updated on May 17, 2024, at 7:57 am Damien Leloup

Explainer

Why and how TikTok was banned in New Caledonia

The French government blocked the social media app after a state of emergency was declared on the island. It is an unprecedented measure in the EU.

Published on May 16, 2024, at 12:50 pm (Paris) Florian Reynaud Damien Leloup

News

New Caledonia: Gendarme killed by friendly fire during third night of unrest

Five people have died during three nights of rioting, including two gendarmes. One was accidentally shot by another law enforcement officer.

Published on May 16, 2024, at 7:42 am (Paris), updated on May 16, 2024, at 3:16 pm Le Monde with AFP

Feature Subscribers only

On New Caledonia's barricades, 'everyone is afraid'

In the French overseas territory's capital Nouméa, residential areas have completely closed in on themselves, cordoned off by groups of armed residents.

Published on May 16, 2024, at 3:00 am (Paris), updated on May 16, 2024, at 12:57 pm Charlotte Mannevy

News

Macron declares state of emergency in New Caledonia

Four people have died since the first night of violence in the overseas territory on Monday. Protesters were initially opposing a reform of the archipelago's electorate.

Published on May 15, 2024, at 2:25 pm (Paris), updated on May 16, 2024, at 10:34 am Le Monde with AP and AFP

Editorial

The French government's dramatic failure in New Caledonia

The reform of the territory's electorate has reawakened a near-civil war atmosphere, because major inequalities disadvantaging Kanak people persist, and the government has seemed to be biased in favor of one side.

Published on May 15, 2024, at 12:55 pm (Paris), updated on May 16, 2024, at 10:38 am Le Monde

Feature Subscribers only

Second night of riots shakes New Caledonia: 'I didn't think it could come to this'

Two people died in the French overseas territory on Wednesday. The outburst of anger was sparked by a government reform to the territory's electorate.

Published on May 15, 2024, at 11:47 am (Paris), updated on May 16, 2024, at 10:34 am Charlotte Mannevy Mathurin Derel Nathalie Guibert

News

MPs approve New Caledonia constitutional reform as second night of violence shakes French territory

French MPs adopted the text expanding New Caledonia's electorate for provincial elections.

Published on May 15, 2024, at 6:02 am (Paris), updated on May 16, 2024, at 10:35 am Le Monde with AFP

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New Caledonia: Night of violent rioting revives grim memories of 1984

Roads blocked, businesses torched: On Monday, a wave of unrest spread across the French territory in the Pacific, as lawmakers in Paris were set to debate a constitutional revision on its status. In the capital Nouméa, violent clashes broke out with the police.

Published on May 14, 2024, at 2:54 pm (Paris), updated on May 17, 2024, at 5:03 pm Charlotte Mannevy Nathalie Guibert

News

New Caledonia announces curfew after riots over voting reforms

Unrest erupted Monday in the French Pacific territory as protesters demonstrated against a constitutional reform being debated in the Assemblée Nationale in Paris which aims to expand the electorate in the territory's provincial elections.

Published on May 14, 2024, at 5:07 am (Paris), updated on May 16, 2024, at 10:34 am Le Monde with AFP

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High-risk demonstrations and calls for calm in New Caledonia

Political tensions are running high ahead of major demonstrations in New Caledonia's capital, Nouméa, on Saturday by pro-independence supporters and loyalists.

Published on April 13, 2024, at 5:00 am (Paris), updated on May 16, 2024, at 10:39 am Nathalie Guibert

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Macron defends 'French New Caledonia' before loyalist crowd in Nouméa

The French president warned on Wednesday against 'going back' in talks on the institutional future of the territory in the Pacific Ocean, which rejected independence in three recent referendums.

Published on July 26, 2023, at 6:00 pm (Paris), updated on May 16, 2024, at 10:35 am Nathalie Guibert

News

Macron insists New Caledonia's future is within France but with new status

On a landmark visit following three referendums that have rejected secession, the French president said in a speech on Wednesday: 'New Caledonia is French because it has chosen to be French.'

Published on July 26, 2023, at 10:08 am (Paris), updated on May 16, 2024, at 10:36 am Le Monde with AFP

In Depth Subscribers only

Macron visits New Caledonia to push agreement on territory's future

After five years, the French president is back in the archipelago, which is still on the path to self-determination, as part of a trip to Oceania.

Published on July 24, 2023, at 10:47 am (Paris), updated on May 16, 2024, at 10:36 am Nathalie Guibert

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Sharks and turtles now have legal rights in the Loyalty Islands region of New Caledonia

The overseas territory, which has extensive autonomy in terms of environmental standards, recognizes these animals as subjects of law.

Published on July 8, 2023, at 9:25 pm (Paris), updated on May 16, 2024, at 10:40 am Juliette Laffont

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New Caledonia, the stone in French diplomacy's shoe

The Australian minister of foreign affairs visited New Caledonia on April 20, raising of who sets foreign policy for France's territory in the Pacific Ocean.

Published on April 25, 2023, at 7:00 pm (Paris), updated on May 16, 2024, at 10:37 am Mathurin Derel

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