France reiterates need for new New Caledonia accord

The French overseas minister Sebastien Lecornu says France stands ready for a new accord in New Caledonia, should voters again reject independence.

Under the terms of the 1998 Noumea Accord, a third and final referendum can be called from next month if at least a third of New Caledonia's Congress wishes to do so.

In the votes in 2018 and 2020 a majority opted to stay French.

In an interview published in Le Journal du Dimanche, Lecornu said Paris was ready to find another consensus deal between the anti- and pro-independence camps.

In the aftermath of communal violence of the 1980s, the rival sides signed the 1988 Matignon Accords and then the Noumea Accord, extending the decolonisation process launched in 1986.

Lecornu reiterated that once the third vote has been held, the status quo is no longer possible, neither politically, legally nor economically.

The minister said a new accord would be needed either to usher in a transition period towards independence or a new arrangement drawn up under the auspices of France, which would give New Caledonia a new status.

Lecornu said nobody in New Caledonia wants full independence, which he said would have disastrous social and economic consequences.

He said in case of a victory of the pro-independence advocates, they would suggest forming a partnership with France.

His latest comment echoes reservations he expressed last year when he wondered whether an independent Kanaky New Caledonia would maintain a separation of power and retain press freedom.

The pro-independence camp has ruled out seeking another 'consensual solution'.

A signatory to the Noumea Accord back in 1998 and now president of New Caledonia's Congress, Roch Wamytan, said after last year's referendum that the decolonisation process had to result in independence.

Should decolonisation process initiated in 1986 fail, the pro-independence side said it would seek direct bilateral talks with Paris.

The rival anti-independence camp has been lobbying Paris to avoid a third independence referendum, warning of more political tension and according to the president of the Southern province Sonia Backes, even risking a civil war.

Pro-French supporters suggested that instead of a referendum a new deal should be put to voters, which could make New Caledonia a constitutionally guaranteed part of the French republic.

Their plan would end the concept of a New Caledonian citizenship conferred to indigenous Kanaks and long-term residents who are currently the only people allowed to vote in the referendums.

This would also grant more than 30000 mainly French residents, or about a fifth of the population, voting rights which they don't have under the terms of the Noumea Accord.