Photograph: Theo Rouby/AFP/Getty Images
New Caledonia’s first pro-independence MP in decades has vowed to take the frustrations of the Indigenous Kanak to France’s parliament, saying young people have been “left by the wayside” in the Pacific archipelago.
Emmanuel Tjibaou, the son of famous Kanak independence leader Jean-Marie Tjibaou who was assassinated in 1989, was elected on 7 July as one of two MPs representing New Caledonia.
A political novice, Tjibaou’s historic election has been praised by Kanak people and comes after months of unrest over French plans to change electoral rules that many Kanak feared would dilute their vote. The 48-year-old will fly to France this weekend to join the national assembly.
“For 30 years, we’ve wanted to develop the country, but too many young people have been left by the wayside, and public policy in [the capital] Nouméa … has been inadequate,” Tjibaou said in an interview with the Guardian.
The vote this month saw record turnout in the territory – 71.35% – which usually struggles to mobilise voters for this kind of election. It took place against a backdrop of riots and deadly violence in the territory, sparked in May by plans in France for a bill to enlarge the electoral body for local elections. The move angered Kanak people – who make up about 41% of the population – over fears it would weaken their electoral power and undermine longstanding efforts to secure independence. French president Emmanuel Macron has suspended the controversial changes and tensions in the territory eased in recent weeks, though it has continued to see bouts of unrest.
“I got involved first of all because I saw the situation our country had got itself into. I come from civil society, I’m a grassroots activist,” Tjibaou said.
While new to politics, Tjibaou has a wealth of experience in the field of culture, having been director of the Kanak culture development agency and, since 2022, director of culture for the north province.
The newly elected politician is well aware of the weight of the task that falls to him. He is the first pro-independence MP since Rock Pidjot was elected, almost 40 years ago.
“I’m following in the footsteps of what Rock Pidjot stood up for, to take up the commitments our elders made,” he said.
“My campaign theme was to try to find a framework for discussions that would enable those who don’t necessarily have the words to express their disapproval or frustration with the situation to translate that voice into the ballot box,” he said.
Tjibaou said the “exceptional turnout” showed the people had sent a message that all parties – the pro-independence FLNKS alliance, loyalist groups and the French state – must “shoulder our responsibilities as signatories to political agreements”. Throughout his campaign, the MP advocated dialogue and a return to discussions between all parties over a path towards independence.
His consensual approach has been welcomed by his opponents. New Caledonia has two representatives in the national assembly, and rightwing candidate and French loyalist Nicolas Metzdorf won the second parliamentary seat. Metzdorf, who was re-elected in New Caledonia’s first constituency, defended the controversial voting change bill before French MPs. He hopes that the arrival of Tjibaou on the political scene will enable dialogue to resume.
“It’s true that his speech is moderate, constructive and appeasing. The question is, how long can he go on like this?” Metzdorf said.
Kanak pride in election of ‘big brother’
For Kanak youth, many of whom have been mobilising for a month and a half – including protests at roadblocks in the archipelago – the victory of “big brother” is a source of pride. Tensions eased in recent weeks but the territory has continued to see bouts of unrest which caused widespread damage to businesses, shops and homes.
Ten people – including two police officers – have been killed in the violence, with authorities confirming a protester was killed in Saint Louis after an exchange of gunfire with the gendarmes on Wednesday.
Abraham Neyoukoeo hopes that this election will change things. Originally from Houailou, in the north of the archipelago, he lives in the working-class districts of Nouméa, the capital.
“We, the young people of Kanak, who are treated as terrorists and anti-democrats, these two Sundays have served to show that, despite the excesses, we are aware and we have played the game of democracy,” he says.
“We hope it will bear fruit. Things have to change for the Kanak and Caledonian people,” Neyoukoeo says.
Tjibaou hears the voice of the young people who rose up in May. For him, there is no question of repeating the mistakes that led to the chaos New Caledonia has recently experienced.
“Everyone wants to go to Paris for financial support, but if we do the same thing again, the same causes will produce the same effects”, said Tjibaou.
His arrival on the political scene has also won him some support beyond the pro-independence movement.
Cindy Devillers, a Caledonian of European origin, of mixed Kanak heritage and a fervent defender of New Caledonia remaining part of France, his election brings some hope that peace will return.
“It’s not the result I was hoping for, she says, but I recognise that he’s someone who looks good, and I hope he’ll be able to stop the violence,” Devillers said.
Tjibaou will have the opportunity to prove his courage and sense of responsibility as early as next week, when he first sits in the national assembly.
“Sitting in a small group makes it easier to carry the voice of the little people. We need to have the political courage to take responsibility,” he said.
