Kanak political alliance protests against France following deadly incident in New Caledonia

The Kanak Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS) alliance of political parties has issued a statement condemning the French government for its actions in New Caledonia, following a deadly incident on September 19, 2024.

According to the FLNKS, French armed forces once again resorted to firearms against peaceful demonstrators, resulting in the death of one civilian and serious injury to another, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

The protests, initially sparked by French rule in New Caledonia, have spread to Martinique, where the French government has also imposed a curfew similar to the one in New Caledonia. Security forces have been accused of using excessive force against demonstrators in both regions.

The political party's statement, titled "STOP THE GENOCIDE OF THE KANAK PEOPLE!", highlights the ongoing violence faced by the Kanak people. It references historical injustices, including the 43-year-old unresolved murder of Pierre Declercq and the 36th anniversary of Operation Victor, drawing parallels to the recent events in the commune of Mont-Dore, Saint-Louis village, where two young Kanaks were shot by law enforcement.

The statement reads:

"This Thursday is a day of mourning for the Kanak people: 43 years after the unresolved murder of Pierre Declercq and 36 years after Operation Victor, history is repeating itself. 

The FLNKS expresses deep indignation and sorrow over the tragic incident in Mont-Dore, in the village of Saint-Louis, where two young Kanaks were shot by law enforcement. 

We condemn the barbaric and degrading methods used by the authorities, who did not hesitate to kill one of these young men. The number of such deaths has been rising since May 2024, with 13 people, including two gendarmes, having already lost their lives."

The party also denounced the militarization and ongoing pressures in southern New Caledonia, especially in Saint-Louis, despite recent efforts to ease tensions in other areas. They called for an immediate halt to military interventions in the region and demanded transparency and international monitoring to prevent further bloodshed.

The statement concludes with an urgent call for the resumption of institutional and political negotiations concerning the future of New Caledonia, in line with the Nouméa Accord.

The FLNKS emphasized the importance of addressing the Kanak people's desire for full sovereignty and called on the French government and international community to take the situation seriously and act to ensure peace and stability.

It also extended solidarity to the people of Saint-Louis and urged all citizens, particularly the youth, to mobilize responsibly in defence of their lives and freedoms.