The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) leaders issued a joint statement on Wednesday addressing the decolonisation process and political situation in Kanaky-New Caledonia, proposing an “information visit” and an UN-MSG joint mission to assess the political and socioeconomic status in the French territory.
The MSG leaders also committed to playing a constructive role in addressing the situation in Kanaky-New Caledonia.
They also called for the issue to be discussed at the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Summit in Tonga and tasked the MSG Secretariat with developing a roadmap for assistance to FLNKS.
They also requested that France engage high-level eminent persons who were involved in the 1998 Noumea Accord negotiations.
They called for the resumption of negotiations on the future political status of Kanaky-New Caledonia and urged the French state to act as an impartial broker.
The MSG leaders reiterated the need to retain New Caledonia on the UN list of Non-Self-Governing Territories and suggested a possible UN General Assembly Resolution on the third referendum’s conduct and results.
The leaders expressed their concern over the ongoing security issues in Kanaky-New Caledonia and reaffirmed their commitment to the decolonisation and self-determination of the Indigenous people of Kanaky-New Caledonia.
They emphasised their support for the implementation of the UN Fourth Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism (2021-2030) and called for France, the administering power, to uphold its responsibilities under UNGA Resolution 1514(XV).
The MSG leaders regretted the recent events following the French National Assembly’s passing of the Constitutional Bill on 13 May 2024, which sought to “unfreeze” the electoral roll for provincial elections.
They condemned the resulting violence, destruction of property, and loss of lives. They were particularly concerned about the arrest and deportation of members of the Cell for Coordinating Field Action (CCAT) to France.
“We are strongly opposed to the apparent militarisation of New Caledonia since May 13, 2024, which undermines the peaceful resolution of the situation,” said the Tokyo statement, made during the sidelines of the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10) in Tokyo, Japan.
Regarding the Constitutional Bill on Electoral Reforms, the MSG leaders welcomed President Emmanuel Macron’s decision in June 2024 to shelve the bill and urged him to officially withdraw it to facilitate dialogue among the Noumea Accord signatories.
The leaders expressed deep regret over the conduct and results of the third self-determination referendum, held amid COVID-19 challenges. They noted that only 43 percent of the voting population participated and that traditional customs were ignored. They called for a new referendum under UN supervision.
“The conduct was not in accordance with UN principles, and we regard the result as illegitimate,” the MSG leaders stated.
They pledged diplomatic support for the FLNKS cause and directed the establishment of an educational fund for Kanak students and professionals.
They also called for closer trade and commercial relations between New Caledonia and MSG countries and emphasised the importance of parliamentary cooperation.
The leaders congratulated the FLNKS on their success in the recent French National Assembly elections and highlighted the strong turnout by pro-independence voters as a reason for another self-determination referendum.
MSG Leaders in Japan include Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and Vanuatu’s Prime Minister Charlot Salwai.
