Richard Sanders in Manila, Tusi Tala in Noumea Nouméa, New Caledonia — French Minister for Overseas Territories Manuel Valls touched down in New Caledonia on Saturday, as political tensions on the island territory reached new heights. Valls’s visit aims to advance discussions on New Caledonia’s political future, amid deep-seated divisions between the pro-independence factions and…
Tusi Tala, Staff Writer New Caledonia’s newly formed government has chosen pro-France Alcide Ponga as its President. At 49 years old, Ponga is the first indigenous Kanak leader of the pro-France Le Rassemblement-Les Républicains (LR) party. His election followed an unsuccessful initial attempt on Tuesday to select a President due to a lack of majority…
Tusi Tala, Staff Writer A man has died after a shark attack near the small town of Koumac on Grande Terre, New Caledonia. While his family enjoyed a picnic at a nearby beach, the father of two went spear fishing on Thursday afternoon close to Kendek islet. According to witnesses, he was bitten on the…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor An emergency 231-million-Euro French package for New Caledonia has been reduced by one third because of the French Pacific territory’s current political crisis. The initial French aid package was endorsed early December 2024, in an eleventh-hour vote at the French National Assembly, minutes before French Prime Minister Michel Barnier and…
by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer Nicole Moreau, president of the small and medium business federation (CPME-NC), has issued a warning about a “monumental social crisis” approaching in New Caledonia. She stated that the aftermath of the riots earlier this year has created not only human and economic issues but also social challenges. “Nine hundred businesses…
by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer Last week’s missile test conducted by China in the Pacific Ocean sent ripples of concern through French Polynesia, though a subsequent event hosted by China appeared to ease local tensions. The ballistic missile reportedly landed about 700 kilometers from the Marquesas Islands, outside of French Polynesia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)….
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer New Caledonia is currently facing a series of bushfires, particularly in the northwestern part of Grande Terre, leading local firefighters to suspect arson. Since early September, efforts have been underway to manage multiple fires in the northern area, particularly around the small towns of Koumac, Pouembout, and Kaala-Gomen in the…
by Jake Sanders, Editor A bipartisan group from New Caledonia is scheduled to travel to Paris next week. French media reports that they will engage with significant officials, including the presidents of both parliamentary chambers. Their visit will take place from September 23 to October 4 and will feature four Members of Parliament from New…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer The French government is introducing a new financial aid package of approximately €130 million to support New Caledonia’s economy. This funding aims to provide urgent assistance to prevent critical services, such as the main electricity provider ENERCAL and social services, from facing imminent collapse, according to a release from the…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Business owners in New Caledonia’s capital, Nouméa, are noticing a concerning trend where individuals or newly established entities are increasingly providing “protection” services, as per a report by local public broadcaster NC la Première. These “protection fees” are being imposed on businesses that have not yet been destroyed by fire…