New Caledonia: Split in opposition parties indicates negotiating positions

Since 14 November, two of the four parties have left the pro-independence umbrella organisation. The PALIKA party spokesman stated that they cannot go along with the current direction of the grouping and the UPM leader asked it to explain the violent actions occurring in its name since May.  The UPM leader’s house was itself the target of arson during this period.

Assessment: The pro-independence umbrella organisation, FLNKS, was established in 1984 and represented the independence movements as signatory to the 1998 Nouméa Accords. While UPM and PALIKA indicated they could rejoin the group in the future, their distancing from the recent violence indicates the desire to engage in negotiations with the French Government over the long-term status of the territory. UC, one of the remaining two parties in FLNKS and largely seen as the driver of the recent unrest, has also indicated it will engage in future negotiations. However, distinctly different visions are forming, with UC seeking full independence, while the French Government and UPM-PALIKA view something different to the current situation but an autonomy less than full independence.

Sources:  Patrick Decloitre “New Caledonia: Founding party leaves pro-independence FLNKS umbrella 'until further notice',” RNZ, November 15, 2024; Patrick Decloitre, “New Caledonia’s pro-independence movement struggling to maintain united front,” RNZ, November 18, 2025.