11 Nov 2020

Caledonian Union expresses support for displaced Mare people

10:09 pm on 11 November 2020

The pro-independence Caledonian Union has expressed its sympathy and support for the families expelled from Mare last week.

Discord over the appointment of a new Protestant pastor resulted in communal violence which forced more than 120 people to move to safety to New Caledonia's capital, Noumea.

The party leader Daniel Goa said the Kanak chief who expelled the families should not pretend he was a king.

Caledonian Union leadership meeting

Caledonian Union leadership Photo: FB FLNKS-Officiel

The customary Senate has called for solidarity with the people made to flee Mare, with traditional leaders asking for donations of clothing and food.

Last week, four squads of riot police were sent to Mare but to date there have been no arrests.

Several houses and cars were burned and a tourist site a boat were badly damaged.

The new pastor, who hails from the area, reportedly appointed himself to the role in the parish without getting the official approval of the Protestant Church, triggering sharp divisions within the community.