Pacific Islands Forum mission to New Caledonia delayed

By Seyma Yigit

A scheduled visit by the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) mission to New Caledonia, aimed at investigating recent unrest on the island, has been postponed due to disagreements between the New Caledonian government and France.

The mission, originally planned to address incidents that have resulted in 11 deaths since May, has faced delays over what the PIF described as procedural and "protocol" issues in an official statement.

Speaking to New Zealand Radio (RNZ) on the matter, Roch Wamytan, the pro-independence President of the New Caledonia Congress, attributed the postponement to France's efforts to impose its own agenda on the forum delegation.

Wamytan criticized the French government, particularly remarks made by Veronique Roger-Lacan, France's ambassador to the Pacific, accusing her of portraying France as the controlling authority on the island.

He expressed concern over what he described as a "classic colonial attitude" and noted that French officials seemed intent on welcoming the mission without the presence of the island's pro-independence leadership.

The French government has been conducting operations in New Caledonia for nearly three months to suppress pro-independence supporters who oppose a constitutional reform.

This reform is seen by the indigenous Kanak people as a violation of the 1998 Noumea Accord.

The amendment would allow French citizens who have lived on the island for at least 10 years to vote in local elections, a move that the Kanaks believe would diminish their influence in their own land.

Since May, the unrest has led to 11 deaths and numerous injuries, prompting increased scrutiny and international attention.

The situation in New Caledonia is expected to be a key topic at the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum Summit, scheduled for Aug. 26-30.

*Writing by Gizem Nisa Cebi