New Caledonia crisis: “It is time to seriously consider empowering the provinces,” Sonia Backès said in a speech on July 14

Almost two months have passed since the unrest in New Caledonia began, and the governor of the southern province gave a 35-minute speech at 6:15 pm this Sunday (July 14).

Sonia Backès thought of the Caledonians, paramedics, firefighters and police officers suffering from the current crisis and went back in time, she said “Because in recent weeks some people have taken advantage of our past.”

“History Update” She condemned “The ambiguity of the Noumea Accord” They quickly focused on the creation of provinces. Sonya Bacchus called for a reduction in the votes of residents of the southern provinces, which was key to the apportionment, or even a “massive migration to the south.” “Use this crisis to reform our system.”

But the provincial chairman believes “The biggest loss we have experienced in these months is the loss of hope for a life together”and even speak “It dealt a fatal blow to this ideal”. “There is a segment of New Caledonia that doesn’t want to live together.” And add a little “Although the Kanak world and the Western world have lived together for more than 170 years, there are still insurmountable differences.”

“Neither side has been able to convince the other.” It is in this context that the provincial chairman proposed “The power and faith of new perspectives”.

According to her, “Institutional reform aimed at empowering the provinces must now be seriously considered. It must be seen as a necessary evolution towards peaceful and mutually respectful coexistence between communities of values ​​that, while different, share the same territory.”

Since cohabitation has been a failure and confrontation can no longer be tolerated, let’s go side by side.

Sonia Backès, Governor of the South Department

all in all, “Tonight, before you, I solemnly call on the separatists to return to the negotiating table.”

Here is the full text of Sonia Backès’ speech: