France's coercive colonial policies in New Caledonia
Hypocrisy, repression, struggle for self-determination

ANALYTICS  16 May 2024 - 17:29

For decades, New Caledonia, a French overseas territory in the Pacific, has been embroiled in a contentious struggle for independence. The indigenous Kanak people have long sought self-determination and sovereignty over their land.

However, the French government's actions, including illegal settlements and manipulation of electoral laws, have perpetuated colonial dominance and undermined the aspirations of the Kanak population.

One of the key grievances of the Kanak people is the illegal settlement of thousands of foreign migrants by the French government on the island. This practice serves multiple purposes, including maintaining French control over New Caledonia and diluting the Kanak population to undermine their quest for independence. By settling migrants, France seeks to alter the demographic composition of New Caledonia and perpetuate its colonial rule. Additionally, the French government's assimilation policies aim to erode Kanak cultural identity and subjugate them to French authority.

In a blatant attempt to maintain control over New Caledonia, the Macron government has resorted to changing electoral laws against the will of the Congress and the local population. By granting migrants the right to vote, France seeks to sway the outcome of a referendum on the territory's status and perpetuate its colonial hold over New Caledonia. This manipulation undermines democratic principles and disregards the aspirations of the Kanak people for self-determination.

Despite widespread opposition from New Caledonian independence supporters and calls for dialogue, the French government has persisted in its coercive tactics. The forceful passage of the electoral law amendments demonstrates France's disregard for the rights and voices of the local population. The Kanak people have repeatedly called for an end to illegal settlements, respect for their sovereignty, and meaningful participation in decisions affecting their future. However, their pleas have fallen on deaf ears as France continues to prioritize its colonial interests over democracy and human rights.

Recent events in New Caledonia have underscored the French government's preference for coercion over democracy and its blatant disregard for the rights of the local population. In response to riots on the island, the French government deployed the army, resulting in casualties and injuries among the civilian population. Furthermore, the government's attempts to block access to social media platforms like TikTok to conceal atrocities committed by the army demonstrate a concerning escalation of repression.

The deployment of the French army to New Caledonia in response to civil unrest raises serious concerns about the government's commitment to democratic principles and respect for human rights. Instead of engaging in dialogue and addressing the grievances of the local population, the French government has chosen to resort to force, resulting in casualties and injuries. The use of military intervention against civilians further exacerbates tensions and undermines efforts towards peaceful resolution and reconciliation.

The French government's decision to block access to social media platforms like TikTok to suppress information about the atrocities committed by the army reflects a disturbing trend towards censorship and information manipulation. By restricting access to information, the government seeks to control the narrative and conceal its actions from the international community. This censorship not only violates the right to freedom of expression but also obstructs efforts to hold perpetrators of human rights abuses accountable.

French officials, including Minister of Internal Affairs and Overseas Territories Gérald Darmanin, have attempted to justify the violence perpetrated by the French gendarmes in New Caledonia by attributing it to external forces, including Azerbaijan. However, such attempts to deflect responsibility fail to acknowledge the government's own role in escalating tensions and perpetuating violence against civilians. The use of foreign forces as a scapegoat undermines accountability and further erodes trust in the government's commitment to upholding human rights and the rule of law.

The representative of New Caledonia at the UN has brought attention to the massacres committed by the French government, highlighting the urgent need for international intervention and accountability.

France's colonial policy in New Caledonia is marked by hypocrisy and double standards. While portraying itself as a champion of democracy, France has disregarded the voices and aspirations of the Kanak people, who are the rightful owners of the island. Instead of respecting their wishes for independence and self-determination, France has employed coercive measures to maintain control and privilege the interests of its own followers.

The deployment of the French army to New Caledonia represents a gross violation of democratic principles and human rights. Rather than engaging in dialogue and respecting the democratic process, France has resorted to military force to suppress dissent and impose its will on the local population. The use of violence and repression against peaceful protesters undermines the very foundations of democracy and highlights France's authoritarian approach to colonial governance.

France's attempts to censor and control the flow of information in New Caledonia demonstrate its commitment to maintaining a narrative that aligns with its colonial agenda. By suppressing images of violence and atrocities committed against the Kanak people, France seeks to conceal its oppressive tactics and maintain a façade of legitimacy. The refusal of "free French media" to report on the plight of the Kanak people further perpetuates the marginalization and erasure of their voices.

The victory of pro-independence forces in local elections underscores the democratic legitimacy of the independence movement in New Caledonia. Despite facing systemic barriers and repression, the Kanak people have demonstrated their commitment to peaceful democratic processes in their pursuit of self-determination. France's resort to military intervention and manipulation of electoral laws to suppress the will of the people undermines the principles of democracy and justice.

It is imperative for the international community to condemn France's oppressive actions in New Caledonia and stand in solidarity with the Kanak people in their struggle for freedom and self-determination. The United Nations and other international bodies must hold France accountable for its violations of human rights and democratic norms. Moreover, diplomatic pressure should be exerted on France to respect the rights and aspirations of the Kanak people and engage in genuine dialogue towards a peaceful resolution.

Caliber.Az