Manuel Valls Facilitates Renewed Dialogue in Politically Divided New Caledonia

The French Minister of Overseas Territories concludes a pivotal visit, bringing together opposing factions following the 2024 unrest.

Manuel Valls successfully brought together pro-independence and loyalist leaders in New Caledonia for the first meaningful discussions since 2021.
The visit follows violent unrest in 2024 that resulted in 14 deaths and significant economic damage to the archipelago.
Valls employed a structured negotiation approach, including plenary and bilateral meetings, to address key issues like governance and self-determination.
The minister emphasized maintaining ties with France while rejecting both full independence and overly decentralized federalism.
A follow-up visit is planned for later in March to continue discussions, with the goal of reaching a political accord ahead of provincial elections in November.