The spokesperson for the Field Action Coordination Unit (CCAT), suspected of orchestrating the unrest that left 11 dead, has been in prison in Mulhouse since June 23.
Kanak leader Christian Tein, detained in mainland France after the violence triggered by the reform of the electoral body in New Caledonia, was appointed president of the FLNKS independence alliance on Saturday, a leader said overnight, after a congress in which two components of the Front refused to participate. The spokesperson for the Field Action Coordination Unit (CCAT), suspected of orchestrating the unrest that left 11 dead, has been in solitary confinement at Mulhouse-Lutterbach prison (Haut-Rhin) since June 23.
By appointing Christian Tein, the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS) is recognizing the CCAT as a tool for mobilizing the Front and not just the Caledonian Union (the main pro-independence party, a component of the FLNKS), explained Laurie Humuni, general secretary of the Oceanian Democratic Rally (RDO), another member of the FLNKS and currently chairing its political bureau.
The appointment of the Kanak leader was made in the absence of the two other components of the FLNKS: the Kanak Liberation Party (Palika) and the Melanesian Progressive Union (UPM). Due to internal divisions and disagreements over the role of the CCAT, they had announced their refusal to participate in the 43rd congress of the Front on Friday and Saturday in Koumac, in the north of the French archipelago. Both had also warned that they would not recognize the political motions resulting from the meeting.
“Political prisoner”
New Caledonia has been plunged into a deep economic, political and social crisis since the violence following the reform to expand the Caledonian electorate. Voted in Paris, it is accused by the independence movement of reducing the political weight of the Kanak indigenous people. The riots that followed from 13 May left 11 dead.
Christian Tein, who considers himself a “political prisoner”is being indicted in particular for complicity in attempted murder and criminal association with a view to preparing a crime. For the authorities, the CCAT fomented the unrest, which the movement denies. The recognition of the CCAT by the FLNKS should allow for better coordination of the actions of its various relays, whereas until now it has acted autonomously, specified Laurie Humuni.
“We need to lift some blockages to allow people to access essential services, but that doesn’t mean we’re giving up our fight.”she told AFP, while the archipelago is still partially paralyzed by blockades. The Front has also expressed its willingness to renew dialogue, but only with the State, excluding the non-independence camp.
