Pacific leaders say collaboration needed in troubled New Caledonia

30/10/2024 11:54

        Three Pacific Islands leaders on a fact-finding visit to New Caledonia heard divided views on the cause of deadly riots that erupted in May, as the region's diplomatic group seeks to support efforts to de-escalate tensions in the French Pacific territory.
        
        The Pacific Islands Forum said in a statement on Wednesday that the delegation, including Tonga Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni, Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, and Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, had met religious leaders, mayors, women's representatives and educators on the last day of the visit that ended on Tuesday.
        
        Over three days, the leaders visited a technical school, hospital and commercial district badly damaged by unrest between indigenous Kanaks and French loyalists. The riots were sparked by a voting reform that French Prime Minister Michel Barnier said in October won't now be ratified.
        
        The Pacific leaders had earlier met political leaders, France's High Commission and the New Caledonia Congress.
        
        The Pacific Islands Forum statement said, "The exchange of perspectives highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing local needs and shaping a brighter future for New Caledonia."