Published by the Workers’ Communist Party of France (PCOF) on May 22, 2024.
Translated from French by Sofia D. for the Red Phoenix–

Throughout the week, the Kanak people, their allies, their social political organizations, unions, their elected officials… they have continually voiced their opposition to the legal project of “dégel du corps électoral” which Macron, the Attal government, the Macronite majority, the right and the extreme right wish to impose.

Massive and peaceful demonstrations have followed one another in Kanaky New Caledonia, with the slogan “No to dégel du corps électoral!” On May 1, in Noumea, in Paris and in several cities in France, these demands have been carried by the processions of Kanaks, of Wallesians… arousing the sympathy and the support of the trade union movement.

But they didn’t succeed in their goals, and Macron and the Attal government have persisted in their project which aims to “turn the page” on the accords of 1988 and 1998, which opened the way for a process of decolonization, the legitimate aspiration of the Kanak people, recognized internationally, including by the UN.

Macron has not hesitated to wield the rapid summons of Congress to Versailles, to ratify this law which closes the door on the process of decolonization – which initiated with the accords of 1988 and 1998 – and reinforces the mechanisms of colonial domination.

The Kanak people did not accept this and have revolted. Their anger is just, and their demands are legitimate.

Barricades, uprisings, and riots have developed, notably with the participation of young Kanaks who have not been able to find their place in a profoundly unequal Caledonian society which excludes and marginalizes them.

The government has immediately responded with repression, the deployment of military resources and police engaged in operations against the insurrectionists. They have declared a State of Emergency, proceeded to arrest hundreds and limiting access to social networks. The Caldoche extremist circles are organizing armed militias with total impunity. The number of deaths already high and the number of injured is underestimated.

The government is not hesitating to drum up xenophobia against China and Russia, brandishing protests as “external influences”… to try and elude their overwhelming responsibility for the grave situation in Kanaky, their responsibility for the scale of the riots and for their consequences. This encourages the Caldoche extremists to outdo the protesters.

The Kanak organizations call for peace. A great number of organizations and personalities in France have expressed their solidarity with the Kanak people and demanded the withdrawal of of the odious law.

The Kanak people and their organizations need our solidarity.

We call for the development of solidarity actions through unitary frameworks which represent the demands of the Kanak people.

Categories: Colonialism, France, Imperialism, International

Tags: ICMLPO