BIG: Future of Kanak people must be ensured only through complete independence

The Nouméa Agreement signed between representatives of the Kanak independence movements and the French government is designed to keep New Caledonia under colonial subjugation and contradicts the principles of the Kanak people's struggle for independence

According to Report, these insights were expressed in a statement by the Baku Initiative Group (BIG) condemning France's attempts to continue its colonial policy towards New Caledonia.

BIG's statement noted that the Bujival agreement, which France is trying to impose on New Caledonia, was firmly rejected at the 45th congress of the Kanak Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS):

"The congress participants confirmed that the Nouméa Agreement signed in 1998 is the main legal foundation for the decolonization of New Caledonia and declared that the Bujival agreement completely contradicts the provisions of the Nouméa Agreement.

The FLNKS plans to declare the country's independence within the framework of the 'Kanaky Agreement.' The 'Kanaky Agreement' will be a legal document serving as a roadmap and covering a transition period for New Caledonia's preparation for full sovereignty between 2025-2030. Also, temporary relations with France will be determined based on this agreement.

A statement issued by the FLNKS on the social media underscored that the Bujival agreement was peacefully rejected and the importance of proudly displaying the movement's symbols everywhere. Additionally, it was stated that the unity and determination of the Kanak people will remain unchanged, and the struggle for the defense of their common future will continue."

The statement further emphasized that France is trying to blackmail New Caledonia with the Bujival agreement through various means:

"France's Overseas Minister Manuel Valls, said that during his visit to New Caledonia from August 19-23, he will begin discussions on editing the Bujival agreement.

Valls stated that if this agreement is not implemented, New Caledonia will face the threat of political, economic, and social crisis. The French minister's statement that "there is no alternative" to the Bujival agreement was openly assessed as a policy of blackmail and pressure in New Caledonia.

On August 21, 2025, a meeting of the editorial committee of the Bujival agreement will be held. It is expected that Manuel Valls will comment on the agreement and present additional changes at the meeting. Despite the clear and firm position of the Kanaks, this attempt is considered a continuation of the policy of France forcibly imposing the document on them."

The Baku Initiative Group's statement expressed that the choice of the Kanak people will be respected and supported. At the same time, it was brought to attention that the future of the Kanak people must be ensured only through complete independence, not through a fake agreement:

"These recent steps taken by France completely contradict the principles of international law and should be evaluated as a continuation of an unacceptable colonial policy. The fundamental principles of international law and UN resolutions clearly demand that the future of the Kanak people must be ensured only through complete independence, not through any concessions or fake agreements."