Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: One was killed, another injured in a raid by an Israeli drone on the city of Khiam in South Lebanon
London views possibility of setting fire to tanker in port of friendly country to Russia to damage port infrastructure, initiate an international probe: Moscow
One of London's scenarios involves setting up accident with 'undesirable' tanker in one of the bottlenecks of maritime communications: Russian foreign intelligence agency
London plans to organize major sabotage with tankers to declare transportation of Russian oil to international shipping: Russian foreign intelligence agency
UK intelligence agencies plan to use NATO allies to launch massive raid on 'Shadow Fleet': Russian foreign intelligence agency
Palestinian Ministry of Health: Two were martyred in Israeli shelling that targeted a besieged house in the town of Qabatiya in Jenin
At least 68 dead in migrant shipwreck off Yemen: IOM
Trump: We want to feed the people in Gaza, we do not want them to starve.
US President Donald Trump: We will impose sanctions on Russia if it does not end the war on Ukraine.
Israeli media: Polls show that 52% oppose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while only 29% support him.

Kanak senator says independence ‘only solution’ for New Caledonia

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 30 Sep 2024 22:58
  • 2 Shares
3 Min Read

New Caledonia Senator Robert Wienie Xowie stated, “After what we've seen and experienced in recent months, there is no other solution for the country today than lasting peace; and that is called 'sovereignty.'"

Listen
  • x
  • Kanak senator believes independence ‘only solution’ for New Caledonia
    A pro-loyalist barricade with French flags is photographed during the 171st anniversary of France's takeover of the Pacific Archipelago in Noumea, New Caledonia, French Pacific Islands on September 24, 2024. (AP)

A Kanak pro-independence senator from New Caledonia, a French colony in the Indo-Pacific area, stated that the island's only solution is to gain independence in light of recent regional developments.

Speaking with Anadolu, New Caledonia Senator Robert Wienie Xowie stated that the Paris government's attempt to enact a reform measure aimed at modifying voter registration caused the present crisis on the island.

The senator stated that the French government should reengage in conversation with pro-independence advocates and rebuild confidence by dropping the reform bill.

Addressing the new government's influence on New Caledonia, Xowie stated, "We must not be delusional. There is a new government, that's true. And when we consider how slowly and long it took for this government to be established, we understand that it will always be guided by the Élysée (the French Presidency)."

Xowie pointed out that the Noumea Accord, signed by France in 1998, laid the framework for New Caledonia's independence.

“After what we've seen and experienced in recent months, there is no other solution for the country today than lasting peace; and that is called 'sovereignty.' 'There is no other way, " he declared. 

Related News

France announces State of New Caledonia, except with a twist

Curfew lifted in New Caledonia over 6 months after violent riots

Xowie also expressed regret that New Caledonian pro-independence activists are being held in France, 17,000 kilometers (10,563 miles) away from their motherland.

He blasted France for failing to reconsider and reflect on the fact that "We reacted because there is a desire to separate them from their family ties," adding, "Because in a country that upholds human rights, we cannot continue to turn a blind eye to people losing their dignity and especially their rights." 

A flashback

New Caledonia, with a population of about 270,000, was rocked by unrest in mid-May, sparked by French plans to impose new rules that would give tens of thousands of non-indigenous residents voting rights.

France deployed thousands of troops and police to the archipelago, located nearly 17,000 kilometers (10,600 miles) from Paris. The violence resulted in hundreds of injuries and an estimated material damage of around 2.2 billion euros ($2.4 billion).

In mid-September, security forces shot and killed two men during an overnight operation, according to the public prosecutor on Thursday, bringing the death toll to 13 following months of unrest in the islands.

The electoral changes, which require amending the French constitution, have been effectively stalled since President Emmanuel Macron dissolved parliament for new elections. The July elections resulted in a lower house without a clear majority.

While unrest in the territory has decreased since mid-July, the road to Saint-Louis on Grande Terre remains closed. For the village's 1,200 residents, the only access is by foot after presenting ID at checkpoints. Only emergency services and ambulances are allowed entry otherwise.

Although most roadblocks across New Caledonia have been removed, a curfew from 10 pm to 5 am remains in effect. Since June 19, 13 pro-independence activists have been arrested, with seven currently imprisoned, including five in mainland France.

  • Kanaks
  • New Caledonia
  • New Caledonia protests
  • France

Most Read

A rescued crew member from the ETERNITY C vessel in a video released by the Yemeni Armed Forces on July 28, 2025 (Yemeni Military Media)

Yemen Navy reveals fate of targeted Eternity C ship crew

  • Politics
  • 28 Jul 2025
An Israeli tank explodes following an ambush by al-Qassam Brigades in Gaza, Occupied Palestine, undated (Al-Qassam Military Media)

Al-Qassam strikes Israeli vehicles in Gaza, inflicts casualties

  • Politics
  • 30 Jul 2025
UAE lodges complaint against Israeli ambassador over 'misbehavior'

UAE lodges complaint against Israeli ambassador over 'misbehavior'

  • Politics
  • 1 Aug 2025
Protesters chant anti-Israeli slogans as they carry a banner that reads:" Freedom for Palestine, Alliance stop the war," during a demonstration in support of Palestinians in Gaza, outside the Israeli embassy, in Athens, Monday, June 9, 2025 (AP)

Athens mayor slams Israeli ambassador over Gaza war, graffiti claim

  • Politics
  • 3 Aug 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
A member of the al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, takes part in a parade as he celebrates a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and the Israeli regime in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Sunday, January 19, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Al-Qassam: We’ll allow aid to Israeli captives if Gaza siege ends

Freed Lebanese freedom fighter Georges Abdallah during an interview on Al Mayadeen, which aired on Sunday, August 3, 2025 (Al Mayadeen screengrab)
Politics

Exclusive: Resistance key to building state, Georges Abdallah says

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres gives a statement about the situation in Gaza at UN headquarters, Friday, June 27, 2025 (AP)
Politics

UN warns Gaza faces water crisis, looming famine under Israeli siege

Israeli soldiers drive their armored personnel carrier along the Gaza Strip, in southern occupied Palestine, Wednesday, July 30, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Ex-Israeli general says Gaza starvation campaign isolated 'Israel'

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS