Latest news with #AlcidePonga
RNZ News
20-05-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
New Caledonia's political future 'not a Pacific problem' - 'It's our own', says Ponga
The president of the government of New Caledonia says that "meddling in our domestic political affairs" is not welcome. Speaking to RNZ Pacific from Nouméa on the one-year anniversary of last year's deadly civil unrest , Alcide Ponga said he wanted to remind Pacific leaders that the ongoing political situation is a matter between France and the people of its overseas Pacific territory. He emphasised the importance of New Caledonia maintaining a relationship with the whole region, particularly in areas such as the economy, culture and politics. "However, I do not have [an] objective to come and criticise the politics in New Zealand. Please don't criticise what happened in New Caledonia between the Caledonian people and France," he said. "It's our own problem. It's not a Pacific problem." Alcide Ponga, President of the 18th government of New Caledonia, speaks to the media following his election by members of the government, in France's Pacific territory of New Caledonia in Noumea on 8 January 2025. Photo: AFP / Delphine Mayeur He cited the Cook Islands' recent engagements with China as an example of why the French territory needs to maintain its ties with Paris. The Cook Islands, a self-governing nation in "free association" with New Zealand, signed a comprehensive strategic agreement with Beijing, including a five-year agreement for seabed mineral exploration and research. The move sparked a diplomatic dispute between Avarua and Wellington, putting a spotlight on constitutional tensions between the two nations. France's Overseas Minister Manuel Valls has suggested a resolution - similar to the Cook Islands' relationship with New Zealand - for New Caledonia to have "independence-association" with France . The proposal raised the hopes of pro-independence groups, but talks collapsed after the political stakeholders could not agree to a deal. French Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls, left, and New Caledonia President Alcide Ponga sign loan for €1 billion. 29 March 2025. Photo: Gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Calédonie Ponga believes China's influence is the "main risk" to New Caledonia if Valls's proposal goes ahead. "You know, New Zealand and Cook Islands, maybe Cook Island is not independent, but the Cook Islands decided to discuss with China," Ponga said. "It is the main risk for us if we are going ahead in the association or partnership [arrangement with France]. If you want to put in place partnership or association with friends, you have to be independent." Addressing the issue of independence from France, he said: "It's not an obligation to become independent," adding that "for me, you have a lot of option" on the issue of decolonisation. Ponga said New Caledonians voted three times - referring to the independence referendums in 2018, 2020 and 2021 (boycotted by the majority of the Kanak population) - to remain with France. He said the "democratic choice" of the people must be respected. "The main objective is to make the Kanak people free in their decolonisation, for me, it's in the mind." "'I'm Kanak. I don't think I'm a colonised guy. I'm free in my mind. "I know that we have to maybe pursue the process to make all [Kanak] population think that we are not colonised by France. "But majority of Caledonian people don't want to become independent." Riot damages in Nouméa's Ducos industrial zone - Photo LNC Photo: LNC Unrest erupted in New Caledonia on 13 May 2024, triggered by a proposed change to the local government electoral roll to allow more non-indigenous people to vote, which pro-independence groups feared would dilute the political power of the indigenous Kanak population. The riots and unrest which dragged on for months resulted in 14 deaths and €2.2 billion in damages to the economy. Twelve months on, the violence has been brought under control, but there is still no solution in sight for the French territory's political future Ponga, an anti-independence politician who came into power in January, said it is time for everyone to "roll their sleeves up" and build back New Caledonia's economy. His aim, he said, is to try and help to create safe New Caledonia and avoid it from descending into the sight of another civil unrest. He said he has big issues to tackle in "a very short time" in office but he knows where to start. "I arrived here in January, and maybe I will push out from here in November [when the local government elections are scheduled]. "The first thing we have to do is to create the economic environment to rebuild, to restart the machine, to try to push the mining operation to come back, and to bring [employment] for all Caledonian people. "To ensure that if we don't find agreement, to make sure that we don't dispute and create the trouble [for] our population "Go ahead slowly but surely, and to find one good way for everybody." Charles Wea Photo: Supplied/Mathurin Durel An advisor to Louis Mapou, Ponga's predecessor, told RNZ Pacific that the question of New Caledonia's political future has regional implications. "The Pacific Island Forum (PIF) countries need to continue to support New Caledonia to become fully sovereign," Charles Wea, who is a member of UNI - PALIKA (Party of Kanak Liberation), said, which is a fundamentally different position to Ponga. He said this was the request from Forum member countries, as well as the Melanesian Spearhead Group. "The stability of New Caledonia will also impact the stability for the region," Wea said. "We are happy that a different French government now is taking another step to serve New Caledonia into the process of decolonisation. He said the French government proposed "full sovereignty with partnership with France" during the political talks. "However, the loyalists (anti-independence parties) say that New Caledonia cannot become independent because of the three referendums," Wea said. But Ponga, the president of Le Rassemblement (The Rally), said a fourth referendum "is not logical" and made it clear that he will not support another referendum. "The cycle is finished. Now [it is] our responsibility - pro- and anti-independence parties and the French State - to find to find the good way for everybody," he said. "This position of UNI has come on the table because we, all together, didn't reach our objective to find an agreement. "The French minister arrived here and propose [to] us whatever you call this form of independence, association or partnership, it's independence. Melanesian Spearhead Group flags Photo: RNZ Pacific / Kelvin Anthony Pacific leaders have already expressed their views on New Caledonia and the Kanak peoples aspirations for full sovereignty from France. "Politically and morally we support the independence of New Caledonia," former Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai told RNZ Pacific previously. Tuvalu MP Simon Kofe said, "We need to continue to support the decolonisation of the Pacific." While Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who spoke with RNZ Pacific the day before heading to New Caledonia as part of the Pacific Islands Forum mission, said, "Don't slap the hand that has fed you." "Have a good disassociation arrangement when you become independent, make sure you part as friends." In Japan last year, New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters said, "Pacific Islands Forum countries by virtue of our locations and histories understand the large indigenous minority population's desire for self-determination. "We also deeply respect and appreciate France's role in the region and understand France's desire to walk together with New Caledonians towards a prosperous and secure future."
The Guardian
13-05-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
A year after deadly riots, New Caledonia's president vows to address push for independence
One year after the deadly riots that ravaged Nouméa and shattered New Caledonia's economy and social fabric, newly elected president Alcide Ponga faces a series of challenges including deep division over the territory's political future – and the prospect of independence from France. Ponga, who was elected in January is an indigenous Kanak who is also anti-independence. The 49-year-old former nickel executive and mayor has vowed to get the economy back on track and support discussions on independence. 'We need to find a way out. We haven't spoken to each other for years, since the [independence] referendums. Now we're talking again. Everyone is aware of what's at stake,' Ponga said. New Caledonia is a territory of France which lies in the Pacific Ocean. Ponga leads the Le Rassemblement party which wants to keep New Caledonia within France. 'Being president wasn't necessarily what I wanted. But I was appointed to solve problems. I take them one by one, without any preconceptions,' said the native of Kouaoua, a small mining village on the archipelago's east coast, where he had been mayor since 2014 before becoming president this year. In a wide-ranging interview with the Guardian to mark the anniversary of the unrest, Ponga discussed the independence debate, economic crisis and how to rebuild the vital nickel industry. Ponga also said New Caledonia can play a bigger role in the region, and hopes to develop relationships with partners like Australia and New Zealand. The unrest that broke out in the archipelago in May 2024 was sparked by French plans to change voting rules and inflamed tensions among Indigenous Kanak communities, who make up about 41% of the population. Fourteen people, mostly Kanak, were killed and the riots caused an estimated $2.4bn (€2.2bn) in damage. The crucial nickel industry and other businesses were severely disrupted and unemployment levels surged. One in five workers lost all or part of their income due to the riots and many remain unemployed. Since the unrest broke out, more than 10,000 people have left the territory. For a region with a population of about 270,000, the drain has serious consequences. There is a shortage of doctors and nurses, and health services are under severe stress. 'We all need to face up to our responsibilities for what has happened and look to the future,' Ponga said. 'Even if calm has returned, without real economic recovery and tax reforms, we're dead. That's what my government is going to do,' he said. A path toward independence continues to divide the population and the political conversation on the topic remains tense. Under the terms of the Nouméa Accord, signed in 1998, Caledonians have had three referendums on independence from France. The referendums held in 2018, 2020 and 2021 all received 'no' votes – but results of the last referendum are disputed by the pro-independence movement. Manuel Valls, the French Minister for overseas territories, visited Nouméa in April and May, with the hope of reaching an agreement between supporters of independence and pro-France figures on the road ahead. Valls left the territory last week without striking a new deal. Certain proposals were seen as an open door to independence and provoked anger from pro-France supporters including Ponga, who took part in the crucial discussions. Chosen by the party of loyalists to France to represent them, Ponga remains confident in New Caledonian's ability to reach an agreement in months ahead. Ponga says that in the 1970s, the territory's elder were all in agreement. 'They wanted to get things moving so they could take charge of their lives, that was their emancipation strategy. You don't have to be an independentist to want to take responsibility for yourself. I'm not an independentist, but I'm still a Kanak.' 'Then the question of independence came along and blocked everything, and since then we've spent our time dancing around the table without doing anything.' Reviving a weak economy remains one of Ponga's most immediate challenges. Nickel is the lifeblood of the archipelago's economy yet two of the country's three metallurgical plants remain idle. Nickel produced in New Caledonia accounts for about 8% of the world's reserves, according to a report by the Overseas Institution of Issue (Ieom). Ponga has a background as an executive in the nickel industry and says the territory's strategy toward this vital reserve has remained static and lacked flexibility. 'If we want to bring back investors, we're going to have to recreate the conditions of attractiveness. And that won't be possible without France,' he said. To run the country's affairs during his term of office, Ponga intends to rely on 'the three values I taught my children: work, work and work'. The president often refers to the land where he grew up, his roots. He proudly displays on his phone photos of his banana, yam and potato fields, where he and his children continue to work. He also sees an opportunity for New Caledonia's influence in the region. 'We have an important role to play,' he asserts, when previous loyalist presidents were not very keen on opening up to the region. 'We've neglected the Pacific and our Melanesian neighbours too much. Yet New Zealand, Australia and France are partners, and we need to take advantage of these links to develop our own axes of relationship, doing things at our own level.' 'We need to assume our responsibilities and project ourselves forward.'
Scoop
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
ANZAC services held across Pacific
Article – RNZ The ANZAC Day Dawn service ceremony in New Caledonia was attended by a larger-than-usual number of representatives from the region. , Correspondent French Pacific Desk The ANZAC Day Dawn service ceremony in New Caledonia this Friday was attended by a larger-than-usual number of representatives from the region. This included the two main participants, Australia and New Zealand, its diplomatic representatives and visiting soldiers. But due to the regional military exercise Southern Cross, currently under way in New Caledonia and Wallis-and-Futuna, several defence force members from Vanuatu, Tonga or Papua New Guinea were also present at the dawn service, in downtown Nouméa. Southern Cross 2025 was launched earlier this week, with key regional inter-operational components based in Nouméa and another operational part being in distant Wallis-and-Futuna. The exercise, this year, brings together around two thousand soldiers from up to 19 countries. It is designed to simulate humanitarian relief following a devastating cyclone on Wallis island. New Caledonia's government was represented by its President Alcide Ponga while the French government was represented by High Commission Secretary-General Stanislaw Alfonsi. Another ceremony is scheduled to take place on Saturday, at the New Zealand cemetery in Nesssadiou, on the north-western coast of the main island. 1000 men from the Pacific Islands served in World War I, including 500 men from the Cook Islands and 150 from Niue. Niue New Zealand's Veterans' Minister said the effects of war are deeply felt in a small Pacific Island like Niue. Chris Penk attended commemorations in Niue including a national remembrance service today. 150 men from Niue volunteered to serve in the New Zealand expeditionary force during World War One. At least 15 of those were killed in action. Cook Islands In Rarotonga, people gathered to this morning reflect on the contribution and sacrifices made by those who have served their nation, and those who continue to serve across Australia, New Zealand and Cook Islands. An ANZAC service was also held on Atiu.
Scoop
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
ANZAC services held across Pacific
Article – RNZ The ANZAC Day Dawn service ceremony in New Caledonia was attended by a larger-than-usual number of representatives from the region. , Correspondent French Pacific Desk The ANZAC Day Dawn service ceremony in New Caledonia this Friday was attended by a larger-than-usual number of representatives from the region. This included the two main participants, Australia and New Zealand, its diplomatic representatives and visiting soldiers. But due to the regional military exercise Southern Cross, currently under way in New Caledonia and Wallis-and-Futuna, several defence force members from Vanuatu, Tonga or Papua New Guinea were also present at the dawn service, in downtown Nouméa. Southern Cross 2025 was launched earlier this week, with key regional inter-operational components based in Nouméa and another operational part being in distant Wallis-and-Futuna. The exercise, this year, brings together around two thousand soldiers from up to 19 countries. It is designed to simulate humanitarian relief following a devastating cyclone on Wallis island. New Caledonia's government was represented by its President Alcide Ponga while the French government was represented by High Commission Secretary-General Stanislaw Alfonsi. Another ceremony is scheduled to take place on Saturday, at the New Zealand cemetery in Nesssadiou, on the north-western coast of the main island. 1000 men from the Pacific Islands served in World War I, including 500 men from the Cook Islands and 150 from Niue. Niue New Zealand's Veterans' Minister said the effects of war are deeply felt in a small Pacific Island like Niue. Chris Penk attended commemorations in Niue including a national remembrance service today. 150 men from Niue volunteered to serve in the New Zealand expeditionary force during World War One. At least 15 of those were killed in action. Cook Islands In Rarotonga, people gathered to this morning reflect on the contribution and sacrifices made by those who have served their nation, and those who continue to serve across Australia, New Zealand and Cook Islands. An ANZAC service was also held on Atiu.
Scoop
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
ANZAC services held across Pacific
, Correspondent French Pacific Desk The ANZAC Day Dawn service ceremony in New Caledonia this Friday was attended by a larger-than-usual number of representatives from the region. This included the two main participants, Australia and New Zealand, its diplomatic representatives and visiting soldiers. But due to the regional military exercise Southern Cross, currently under way in New Caledonia and Wallis-and-Futuna, several defence force members from Vanuatu, Tonga or Papua New Guinea were also present at the dawn service, in downtown Nouméa. Southern Cross 2025 was launched earlier this week, with key regional inter-operational components based in Nouméa and another operational part being in distant Wallis-and-Futuna. The exercise, this year, brings together around two thousand soldiers from up to 19 countries. It is designed to simulate humanitarian relief following a devastating cyclone on Wallis island. New Caledonia's government was represented by its President Alcide Ponga while the French government was represented by High Commission Secretary-General Stanislaw Alfonsi. Another ceremony is scheduled to take place on Saturday, at the New Zealand cemetery in Nesssadiou, on the north-western coast of the main island. 1000 men from the Pacific Islands served in World War I, including 500 men from the Cook Islands and 150 from Niue. Niue New Zealand's Veterans' Minister said the effects of war are deeply felt in a small Pacific Island like Niue. Chris Penk attended commemorations in Niue including a national remembrance service today. 150 men from Niue volunteered to serve in the New Zealand expeditionary force during World War One. At least 15 of those were killed in action. Cook Islands In Rarotonga, people gathered to this morning reflect on the contribution and sacrifices made by those who have served their nation, and those who continue to serve across Australia, New Zealand and Cook Islands. An ANZAC service was also held on Atiu.
