French Polynesia Urges France to Reassess Pacific Decolonization

By Chetna Gill

Cover Image Attribute: A file photo shows police patrolling a street in the Magenta district of Noumea, New Caledonia, which has been obstructed by debris and charred remains from overnight disturbances. French forces have initiated an operation to reclaim a road leading to the airport. Photo by Delphine Mayeur/AFP/Getty Images | Date: May 18, 2024.

France's steadfast resistance to modifying its approach towards its Pacific territories, particularly New Caledonia, has sparked considerable debate about its true intentions. French Polynesia's President, Moetai Brotherson, has been vocal in criticizing Paris for its failure to address the mounting unrest in New Caledonia. Brotherson argues that France has struggled with decolonization in the South Pacific, maintaining control over French Polynesia, New Caledonia, and Wallis and Futuna. Despite multiple warnings from Pacific leaders about potential unrest, the French government appears to have disregarded these concerns, suggesting a reluctance to address the region's issues genuinely. However, a re-evaluation of France's approach could lead to positive changes and a more hopeful future for the Pacific.
Actions in the Pacific, which increasingly seem to serve strategic interests rather than reflect a sincere commitment to decolonization, have raised serious questions about France. President Brotherson's emphasis on the need for Paris to heed the voices of Pacific leaders advocating for a shift in approach at the Pacific Islands Forum, underscores this. The recent violent protests in New Caledonia, triggered by electoral reforms threatening the political influence of the indigenous Kanak people, have intensified suspicions that France is more concerned with preserving its colonial grip than supporting the region’s self-determination efforts. This discrepancy between France's actions and its stated commitment to decolonization raises serious questions about the true motivations behind its policies in the region, prompting a cautious and vigilant approach.
Paris's insistence on controlling its Pacific territories, particularly New Caledonia, is closely linked to its geopolitical ambitions. The strategic significance of New Caledonia, with its rich nickel deposits and its role in countering Chinese influence in the Pacific, suggests that France's priorities may be more aligned with economic and security concerns rather than respecting the self-determination rights of the territories it controls. The recent deferral of a fact-finding mission to New Caledonia further casts doubt on whether the French government is genuinely committed to addressing the aspirations of the people or if it is primarily focused on preserving its strategic interests.
French Ambassador to the Pacific, Veronique Roger-Lacan, has been particularly assertive in defending her country's territorial claims over New Caledonia, which has unsettled regional leaders. Her approach became significantly pronounced when she publicly criticized New Zealand's foreign minister, Winston Peters, for his comments on the 2021 independence referendum in New Caledonia. Although Peters deemed the referendum legally valid, he suggested it did not reflect the true spirit of self-determination. Roger-Lacan's aggressive defense raises questions about whether Paris is genuinely interested in understanding the concerns of Pacific nations or merely intent on maintaining its control.
There is a noticeable disconnect between French diplomatic efforts and the sentiments of Pacific leaders. Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka highlighted this gap, suggesting that Paris needs to make a more significant effort to 'understand the Pacific.' Despite her presence at the meeting in Tonga, Roger-Lacan's comments have been mainly focused on advancing the French agenda rather than addressing more profound issues. Her emphasis on France's willingness to engage in an informational mission to New Caledonia, contingent on a consensus within the Pacific Islands Forum, suggests prioritizing managing perceptions over genuinely resolving the underlying conflicts.
Moreover, France's emphasis on the voices outlined in the 1998 Nouméa Agreement, including those not seeking independence, reflects a selective engagement strategy that raises significant concerns. By focusing on certain perspectives, Paris appears to be avoiding a comprehensive discussion on decolonization and the future of New Caledonia. This selective approach undermines the legitimacy of the process, suggesting an intentional avoidance of addressing the full range of viewpoints and grievances. Senior diplomat Collin Beck from the Solomon Islands has noted this selective approach, highlighting the expectation for a more balanced dialogue involving both the New Caledonian government and France. This underscores the importance of fairness and inclusivity in the process, making the audience feel the need for a more equitable approach.

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