New Caledonia Independence from France

Key Points

• 1New Caledonia is a French island territory in the southwest Pacific Ocean.
• 2The 1998 Nouméa Accord recognized the trauma inflicted upon the indigenous Kanak people.
• 3Three referendums on independence have been held, with the final vote boycotted by pro-independence parties.
• 4Recent high-stakes talks to broker a new political accord collapsed on May 8.
• 5The concept of “sovereignty in partnership” was central to the negotiations, but it was rejected by loyalist factions.