NEW CALEDONIA | A New Insurgency?

In May 2024, New Caledonia, a French territory in the South Pacific, experienced widespread rioting linked to its long-standing push for independence. The French government responded by deploying thousands of police reinforcements and President Emmanuel Macron made an emergency visit to address the escalating tensions. The recent violence, which left six dead and many wounded, has sparked concerns about a potential return to an armed insurgency campaign for independence. The disturbances highlight ongoing issues of colonialism, self-determination, and geopolitical strategy. New Caledonia, which has a significant indigenous Melanesian Kanak population, remains a strategic foothold for France in the Pacific amidst growing regional influences. The conflict’s roots lie in historical and socio-economic disparities, exacerbated by the discovery of nickel deposits and subsequent immigration waves that altered the territory’s demographic balance. The pro-independence movement, which gained momentum in the 1980s, has been marked by boycotted referendums and periodic violence. France’s recent decision to extend voting rights to long-term residents, perceived as a tactic to dilute pro-independence votes, ignited the latest unrest. While Macron has pledged to maintain a security presence and engage in dialogue, the deep-seated resentment and demands for independence persist, raising questions about New Caledonia’s future and the broader implications for French colonial rule. *MY LATEST BOOK!* Secession and State Creation: What Everyone Needs to Know Oxford University Press Amazon *SUPPORT THE CHANNEL* Hello and welcome! My name is James Ker-Lindsay, and here I take an informed look at International Relations, conflict, security, and statehood. If you like what you see, please subscribe. Even better, perhaps consider becoming a Channel Member or supporting the Channel through Patreon. Thank you! SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE BECOME A CHANNEL MEMBER JOIN MY PATREON PAGE *VIDEO CHAPTERS* 00:00 Introduction and Titles 00:57 New Caledonia and Colonialism in the 21st Century 01:53 New Caledonia: Location and Population 03:09 A Short History of New Caledonia 04:39 New Caledonia Emerging Independence Movement, 1960-1998 06:17 The Noumea Accord and the Independence Referendums 08:50 The 2024 Rioting in New Caledonia 10:43 Is New Caledonia Facing a New Insurgency? 12:29 Did Azerbaijan Incite the Rioting!? 13:35 France’s New Problem in New Caledonia? *SOURCES AND FURTHER READING* President of France Matignon-Oudinot Accords | 1988 Noumea Accord | 1998 AUKUS | UN Department of Defense Baku Initiative Group | X/Twitter *EQUIPMENT USED TO MAKE THIS VIDEO* *MAP CONTENT* *DISCLAIMERS* - The contents of this video and any views expressed in it were not reviewed in advance nor determined by any outside persons or organisation. - Some of the links above are affiliate links. These pay a small commission if you make a purchase. This helps to support the channel and will be at no additional cost to you. #NewCaledonia #France #Pacific