The leader of a pro-independence party in New Caledonia has called on supporters to remain mobilized and maintain resistance against the Paris government's efforts to impose electoral reforms that the Indigenous Kanak people fear would further marginalize them.
The pro-independence leader addressed supporters and protesters in a video message posted on social media following a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. Macron has been pushing for the removal of barricades erected by both Indigenous Kanaks and pro-Paris leaders in New Caledonia.
In the video message, the pro-independence leader urged protesters to slightly loosen their grip on barricades to allow for the transport of essential supplies such as fuel, food, and medicine. However, he emphasized that the barricades would remain until certain conditions are met, including the lifting of house arrest warrants for party members and the scrapping of the electoral reform that Kanaks fear will dilute their influence.
The ongoing unrest in New Caledonia has led to the creation of barricades made up of charred vehicles and debris, turning parts of the capital into no-go zones. Despite state of emergency measures, tensions remain high throughout the archipelago, with police dismantling roadblocks only for protesters to quickly rebuild them.
Macron has stated that he will not force through the contested voting reform and has called on local leaders to come up with an alternate agreement for the territory's future. He has proposed a road map that could lead to another referendum for New Caledonia, following three earlier referendums that produced 'no' votes against independence.
New Caledonia, which became French in 1853, has been at the center of recent unrest as Indigenous Kanaks and pro-Paris leaders clash over electoral reforms and the territory's political future.
