Latest news with #EmmanuelTjibaou
Euronews
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
New Caledonia to become a 'state', but will remain French
France announced a deal with New Caledonia on Saturday, which grants the overseas South Pacific territory more autonomy. The agreement, however, stops short of full independence sought by indigenous inhabitants of the archipelago. The 13-page deal, which French President Emmanuel Macron hailed as "historic", calls for the creation of a "state of Caledonia", which would remain French and inscribed in the French constitution. It will also allow for the creation of a Caledonian nationality alongside French nationality. The accord still needs final approval in New Caledonia, and may face a vote by New Caledonians in February. For decades, the Pacific archipelago east of Australia faced political tensions between those seeking independence and those loyal to France. And in May 2024, mass riots broke out over proposed electoral reforms. The French government debated to give thousands of non-indigenous long term-residents voting rights. Many Kanaks protested against the proposal, claiming changes to the electoral rules would further marginalise Indigenous voters. A difficult path lays ahead for Kanaks and other Caledonians, but the new agreement will get the island "out of the spiral of violence," according to Kanak lawmaker Emmanuel Tjibaou who took part in the 10 days of negotiations. "This text does not mention the word independence. But it opens up a structured, progressive, legally regulated and politically legitimate path," Tjibaou said. Those who were in favour of keeping New Caledonia within the French fold also hailed the accord. Lawmaker Nicolas Metzdorf called it a compromise born of "demanding dialogue,'' and described the Caledonian nationality as a ″real concession.'' A special congress will be held to finalize next steps, which could include more sovereignty for New Caledonia over issues of international affairs, security and justice, according to excerpts published by New Caledonia's public broadcaster. The accord could also eventually allow New Caledonians to change the territory's name, flag and hymn. Participants stressed the importance of rehabilitating and diversifying New Caledonia's indebted economy, which depends heavily on nickel mining, and making it less reliant on the French mainland. France colonised New Caledonia in the 1850s, and it became an overseas territory after World War II. French citizenship was granted to all Kanaks in 1957, but many continue to demand full independence.
Yomiuri Shimbun
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Yomiuri Shimbun
France Says the South Pacific Territory of New Caledonia Will Have More Freedoms
PARIS (AP) — France announced a sweeping, hard-fought agreement Saturday aimed at granting more autonomy to the restive South Pacific territory of New Caledonia, but stopping short of the independence sought by many Indigenous Kanaks. The agreement — hailed by President Emmanuel Macron as 'historic' — still needs final approval in New Caledonia, a nickel-rich archipelago east of Australia and 10 time zones away from Paris. The accord may face a vote by New Caledonians in February. The accord proposes the creation of a 'state of Caledonia' within the French republic and inscribed in the French constitution, and the creation of a 'Caledonian nationality' alongside French nationality, according to excerpts viewed by The Associated Press. It was reached after 10 days of negotiations — including a final overnight marathon — with representatives of the central government and those on both sides of the independence question. The talks stemmed from deadly rioting last year prompted by proposed changes to electoral rules that pro-independence groups said would marginalize Indigenous voters. The accord will help 'us get out of the spiral of violence,' said Emmanuel Tjibaou, a Kanak lawmaker who took part in the talks, as he and other sleepless negotiators announced the accord in a gilded hall Saturday evening in the Elysee presidential palace in Paris. He described a 'difficult path' ahead but one that would allow Kanaks and other Caledonians to move forward together as 'us' instead of divided. Those seeking to keep New Caledonia firmly in the French fold hailed the accord. Lawmaker Nicolas Metzdorf called it a compromise born of 'demanding dialogue,' and described the Caledonian nationality as a 'real concession.' A special congress will be held to finalize next steps, which could include more sovereignty for New Caledonia over issues of international affairs, security and justice, according to excerpts published by New Caledonia's public broadcaster. The accord could also eventually allow New Caledonians to change the territory's name, flag and hymn. Participants stressed the importance of rehabilitating and diversifying New Caledonia's indebted economy, which depends heavily on nickel mining, and making it less reliant on the French mainland. France colonized the Pacific archipelago in the 1850s, and it became an overseas territory after World War II, with French citizenship granted to all Kanaks in 1957.
Hamilton Spectator
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
France says the South Pacific territory of New Caledonia will have more freedoms
PARIS (AP) — France announced a sweeping, hard-fought agreement Saturday aimed at granting more autonomy to the restive South Pacific territory of New Caledonia, but stopping short of the independence sought by many Indigenous Kanaks. The agreement — hailed by President Emmanuel Macron as ″historic'' — still needs final approval in New Caledonia, a nickel-rich archipelago east of Australia and 10 time zones away from Paris. The accord may face a vote by New Caledonians in February. The accord proposes the creation of a ″state of Caledonia″ within the French republic and inscribed in the French constitution, and the creation of a ''Caledonian nationality″ alongside French nationality, according to excerpts viewed by The Associated Press. It was reached after 10 days of negotiations — including a final overnight marathon — with representatives of the central government and those on both sides of the independence question. The talks stemmed from deadly rioting last year prompted by proposed changes to electoral rules that pro-independence groups said would marginalize Indigenous voters. The accord will help 'us get out of the spiral of violence,'' said Emmanuel Tjibaou, a Kanak lawmaker who took part in the talks, as he and other sleepless negotiators announced the accord in a gilded hall Saturday evening in the Elysee presidential palace in Paris. He described a ''difficult path'' ahead but one that would allow Kanaks and other Caledonians to move forward together as ''us'' instead of divided. Those seeking to keep New Caledonia firmly in the French fold hailed the accord. Lawmaker Nicolas Metzdorf called it a compromise born of ''demanding dialogue,'' and described the Caledonian nationality as a ″real concession.'' A special congress will be held to finalize next steps, which could include more sovereignty for New Caledonia over issues of international affairs, security and justice, according to excerpts published by New Caledonia's public broadcaster. The accord could also eventually allow New Caledonians to change the territory's name, flag and hymn. Participants stressed the importance of rehabilitating and diversifying New Caledonia's indebted economy, which depends heavily on nickel mining, and making it less reliant on the French mainland. France colonized the Pacific archipelago in the 1850s, and it became an overseas territory after World War II, with French citizenship granted to all Kanaks in 1957. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
San Francisco Chronicle
12-07-2025
- Politics
- San Francisco Chronicle
France says the South Pacific territory of New Caledonia will have more freedoms
PARIS (AP) — France announced a sweeping, hard-fought agreement Saturday aimed at granting more autonomy to the restive South Pacific territory of New Caledonia, but stopping short of the independence sought by many Indigenous Kanaks. The agreement — hailed by President Emmanuel Macron as ″historic'' — still needs final approval in New Caledonia, a nickel-rich archipelago east of Australia and 10 time zones away from Paris. The accord may face a vote by New Caledonians in February. The accord proposes the creation of a ″state of Caledonia″ within the French republic and inscribed in the French constitution, and the creation of a ''Caledonian nationality″ alongside French nationality, according to excerpts viewed by The Associated Press. It was reached after 10 days of negotiations — including a final overnight marathon — with representatives of the central government and those on both sides of the independence question. The talks stemmed from deadly rioting last year prompted by proposed changes to electoral rules that pro-independence groups said would marginalize Indigenous voters. The accord will help "us get out of the spiral of violence,'' said Emmanuel Tjibaou, a Kanak lawmaker who took part in the talks, as he and other sleepless negotiators announced the accord in a gilded hall Saturday evening in the Elysee presidential palace in Paris. He described a ''difficult path'' ahead but one that would allow Kanaks and other Caledonians to move forward together as ''us'' instead of divided. Those seeking to keep New Caledonia firmly in the French fold hailed the accord. Lawmaker Nicolas Metzdorf called it a compromise born of ''demanding dialogue,'' and described the Caledonian nationality as a ″real concession.'' A special congress will be held to finalize next steps, which could include more sovereignty for New Caledonia over issues of international affairs, security and justice, according to excerpts published by New Caledonia's public broadcaster. The accord could also eventually allow New Caledonians to change the territory's name, flag and hymn. Participants stressed the importance of rehabilitating and diversifying New Caledonia's indebted economy, which depends heavily on nickel mining, and making it less reliant on the French mainland. France colonized the Pacific archipelago in the 1850s, and it became an overseas territory after World War II, with French citizenship granted to all Kanaks in 1957.
Winnipeg Free Press
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
France says the South Pacific territory of New Caledonia will have more freedoms
PARIS (AP) — France announced a sweeping, hard-fought agreement Saturday aimed at granting more autonomy to the restive South Pacific territory of New Caledonia, but stopping short of the independence sought by many Indigenous Kanaks. The agreement — hailed by President Emmanuel Macron as ″historic' — still needs final approval in New Caledonia, a nickel-rich archipelago east of Australia and 10 time zones away from Paris. The accord may face a vote by New Caledonians in February. The accord proposes the creation of a ″state of Caledonia″ within the French republic and inscribed in the French constitution, and the creation of a ''Caledonian nationality″ alongside French nationality, according to excerpts viewed by The Associated Press. It was reached after 10 days of negotiations — including a final overnight marathon — with representatives of the central government and those on both sides of the independence question. The talks stemmed from deadly rioting last year prompted by proposed changes to electoral rules that pro-independence groups said would marginalize Indigenous voters. The accord will help 'us get out of the spiral of violence,' said Emmanuel Tjibaou, a Kanak lawmaker who took part in the talks, as he and other sleepless negotiators announced the accord in a gilded hall Saturday evening in the Elysee presidential palace in Paris. He described a ''difficult path' ahead but one that would allow Kanaks and other Caledonians to move forward together as ''us' instead of divided. Those seeking to keep New Caledonia firmly in the French fold hailed the accord. Lawmaker Nicolas Metzdorf called it a compromise born of ''demanding dialogue,' and described the Caledonian nationality as a ″real concession.' A special congress will be held to finalize next steps, which could include more sovereignty for New Caledonia over issues of international affairs, security and justice, according to excerpts published by New Caledonia's public broadcaster. The accord could also eventually allow New Caledonians to change the territory's name, flag and hymn. Participants stressed the importance of rehabilitating and diversifying New Caledonia's indebted economy, which depends heavily on nickel mining, and making it less reliant on the French mainland. France colonized the Pacific archipelago in the 1850s, and it became an overseas territory after World War II, with French citizenship granted to all Kanaks in 1957.
