Australia and the World Past and Present

New Caledonia has been rocked by recent violence. This island group is better known for its beautiful beaches and tourist resorts. It is a French language destination that Australians can reach without having to travel to the other side of the world.

Such upheaval is out of character for New Caledonia.

So it is natural to ask what is going on? What has sparked all this?

New Caledonia is a French overseas territory.

A recent constitutional amendment approved in Paris seems to have been the spark that set off the current unrest.

The population of New Caledonia is around 300,000.

The indigenous Kanak comprise around 40% of the total while those with European heritage make up around 24%.

The island group was a French colony before becoming an overseas territory in 1948.

In that latter half of the twentieth century there were debates about who had the right to decide the fate New Caledonia. The indigenous Kanaks or migrants? Indeed, who had the right to be legitimately considered New Caledonian? Many indgeonus Kanaks were concerned that they had already become a minority group within New Caledonia and were looking for a way to ensure a continued say in the future of their country.

In 1998 the Noumea Accord was signed. It stipulated that those living in New Caledonia before 1998 (and their children) would be able to vote in provincial elections.

Time went on and more migrants arrived.

Paris took the view that the situation under the Noumea Accord had become undemocratic. Paris was in favour of the new provisions that said that anyone who had been in New Caledonia for more than 10 years could vote.

This recent proposal and the potential dilution of Kanak influence seems to be at the heart of the current situation.