30 May 2018

New Caledonian referendum seen as new page in Kanak history

From , 3:03 pm on 30 May 2018


A Kanak journalist says this year's referendum on independence from France is a chance to open a new page on New Caledonia's past.

The referendum is to be held in November, more than thirty years after a 98 percent majority voted in favour of staying with France.

The 1987 vote was boycotted as the indigenous Kanaks waged a campaign for independence.

Violent conflict continued including the Ouvea hostage crisis when 19 Kanaks and two French soldiers died, but the 1998 Noumea Accord allowed gradual steps towards independence to be finally decided this year.

Andre Qaeaw of Radio Djido told Moera Tuilaepa-Taylor, as the poll approaches, the media has a role to play in keeping conflict at bay.

Kanak and French flags on Ouvea island.

Kanak and French flags on Ouvea island. Photo: AFP