By decision of the High Commissioner of the Republic, the third and last referendum on the independence of New Caledonia was maintained on December 12, despite the protests of the separatists.
Citing the health crisis, the latter hoped to postpone it, and decided to boycott the ballot after the government's refusal.
In a long "
open letter from the Kanak people to the people of France
", published on social networks, the independence parties, but also the independentist strategic committee for non-participation and the customary senate, blame this decision on the metropolis and on President Emmanuel Macron.
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“
To say that we are surprised would be to lie.
We expected it.
But as always, we hoped
, begin the signatories of the letter.
We hoped that the French government, despite 168 years of colonization, would for once be able to demonstrate humanity, compassion, intelligence, respect, common sense.
We hoped that the French government would act in the spirit of consensus of the Noumea Accord, in the spirit of its preamble.
We hoped ... and we were wrong
”.
Warning to the French government
For the separatists, "
the French government is harboring illusions
" by thinking "to be
able to build a sustainable institutional future for New Caledonia by scorning the word of the political and customary representatives of the Kanak people
". They accuse him of believing that this election “
will put an end to the demands of the Kanak people, will deprive them of all legitimacy and allow them to continue their work of subjugation and domination
”. For them, moreover, "
the next consultation has no chance of ending the political sequence opened by the Noumea agreement
". And to recall two "
main principles
" linked to this agreement: "
The recognition by the French State of an 'innate and active right to independence' for the Kanak people
”and“
the acceptance by the Kanak people to involve in the future process of decolonization and emancipation the members of the various communities that came to settle in the country with colonization
”.
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The signatories then directly attack President Emmanuel Macron and his government, "
who hear nothing, do not want to hear anything from the wise advice given to him by some of those who before him were in charge of supporting the evolution of our country
”. Before issuing a final warning: "
Be careful that by denying once again, once again, once again, the right of the Kanak people to independence, you do not take the risk that this people gets tired of discussing and negotiating with you
”. And to conclude: "
To President Macron and his government, we say that we do not wish to sever relations with France, we only wish to change them.
But if we absolutely have to choose between freedom and these relationships, we will choose freedom
”.