Manuel Valls Faces Protests During Visit to Divided New Caledonia

The minister for overseas territories aims to revive dialogue between loyalists and separatists following last year's deadly unrest.

Manuel Valls, France's minister for overseas territories, began an eight-day visit to New Caledonia, facing protests from loyalist groups opposed to independence.
The visit comes after violent unrest in May 2024 that left 14 dead and caused significant economic damage, deepening divisions between loyalists and separatists.
Valls seeks to mediate discussions for a new political agreement, building on the 1988 Matignon and 1998 Nouméa Accords, which outlined the territory's path toward potential sovereignty.
Loyalists criticize Valls for allegedly disregarding the results of three referendums rejecting independence, while separatists emphasize their continued push for full sovereignty.
Upcoming provincial elections, postponed due to last year's unrest, further complicate efforts to rebuild trust and address contentious issues such as voter eligibility.