New Caledonia independence alliance, the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front, has announced the resolutions adopted at its recent Extraordinary Congress, held in Nimbayes.

The FLNKS (AKA Front de Libération Nationale Kanak et Socialiste) consists of the Caledonian Union (UC) and the National Union for Independence - which itself includes Melanesian Progressive Union.

When announcing the major decisions of its December 6 Congress, the Front said the meeting "marked a milestone in the re-foundation of the liberation movement and confirmed the pro-independence unity of the FLNKS around a clear political line: defending the decolonisation process enshrined in the Nouméa Accord without compromise, refusing any consultation imposed outside its framework, and pursuing the trajectory toward the full sovereignty of Kanaky, as reaffirmed in the general political motion and the new FLNKS Charter".

The Nimbayes Congress facilitated the signing of the new FLNKS Charter and the customary transfer of the presidency between the last president, Roch Wamytan, and Christian Tein.

The FLNKS said this symbolic moment marked "the continuity and unity of the Front... reaffirmed... in the face of the political, institutional, and social challenges affecting the country".

The Front said discussions at the Congress showed "a strong convergence between the pressure groups" and "highlighted a shared will to collectively take responsibility for the decisive phase in which Kanaky is now engaged".

Front reiterates opposition to 'Bougival' project

The FLNKS Congress slammed the unilateral decision of the French State to organise an early consultation on March 15, 2026.

"This move, which is legally fragile and politically risky, has only one objective: to attempt to impose the 'Bougival' project, which the country has already clearly disavowed," the Front said in a statement.

"This text was rejected by the FLNKS Congress in August, refused by the Customary Senate, contested by several local political forces, and criticised by Pacific regional organisations."

The session of the Congress of New Caledonia recently noted the project for an early consultation on the Bougival agreement draft received only 19 favorable votes, against 14 unfavorable and 19 abstentions, meaning a majority of 33 elected officials did not support the text.

Accusation of French intent to 'bypass democratic practices'

FLNKS raised concerns that French officials scheduling a consultation on the same day as municipal elections - but with a different electoral roll - "illustrates a manifest desire to bypass the democratic practices that have guaranteed institutional stability for over twenty-five years".

"Such a configuration fuels confusion and weakens democratic transparency," the Front said.

"By pushing forward a consultation without consensus, the State is repeating the errors that plunged New Caledonia into deep crises in 1986 (with the Pons statute) and in 2024 (with the constitutional bill on the opening of the electoral roll). We state with gravity: the search for consensus is the cornerstone of the historic agreements that brought peace to this country.

"The Kanak people and all Caledonians deserve better than a forced passage: they deserve a loyal, respectful dialogue consistent with the decolonisation path engaged since 1988."

The FLNKS reaffirmed that dialogue remains possible, "but only within a clear, loyal framework consistent with the practices that have allowed for peace since 1988".

"It is necessary to begin by resolving the colonial dispute between the colonised and the coloniser through structured bilateral talks between the FLNKS and the State. Discussions must be based on the Kanaky Accord and certain gains from the discussions proposed by the State at Déva to achieve our country's accession to full sovereignty," the Front said.

"In parallel, we emphasise the importance of an expanded dialogue with other political parties and civil society to co-construct a project of full sovereignty, guaranteeing the stability of the future nation."

Front to step up on international stage

The FLNKS Congress signalled an intent to escalate its diplomatic strategy, resolving to: officially request the dispatch of a United Nations mission to Kanaky to evaluate the political situation and human rights; strengthen the presence of the FLNKS in regional and international organisations such as the MSG (Melanesian Spearhead Group) and the Pacific Islands Forum; and establish a dedicated diplomatic cell, equipped with financial resources, to carry the movement's voice internationally.

The Front also welcomed the adoption by the UN General Assembly during its 2025 session of a resolution on the question of Kanaky-New Caledonia, as well as the creation by the UN of an International Day Against Colonialism on December 14.

Melanesian States have reaffirmed their support for the self-determination

The FLNKS noted the question of New Caledonia remains on the agenda of the UN Decolonisation Committee and that Melanesian States have reaffirmed their support for the self-determination process.

The Front slammed what it described as "permanent pressure from 'colonial law enforcement forces' on populations in tribes and working-class neighborhoods, as well as numerous instances of discrimination", and flagged its concerns regarding "social degradation suffered by Caledonians: precariousness, inequality in access to employment, housing, and education, and the critical situation in private religious education".

The FLNKS Congress also decided on a mission of their Political Bureau to Paris, which commenced Monday and ends Friday, 19 December, with the objectives: To meet with all political groups in Parliament to remind them of the FLNKS's position and demand respect for the decolonisation framework; to present the country's social and political reality, institutional tensions, and violations of fundamental rights; and to request an official meeting with the President of the Republic to re-establish loyal dialogue and exit the current impasse.

Call to turn out the vote

The FLNKS also launched an appeal to the entire New Caledonian population, "particularly Kanak and Oceanian youth" to register on the electoral rolls before December 31.

"Every registration strengthens the country's ability to decide its future," they said.

"No one should be excluded from the vote: even far from Kanaky, everyone must be able to make their voice heard."

The Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front said the Nimbayes Congress "marks an important step" for their movement.

"We have reaffirmed our positions, strengthened our unity, and defined a coherent political, legal, diplomatic, and social strategy," they said.

"The voice of the Kanak people will be neither ignored nor bypassed. It will continue to carry a vision for the future, a vision of stability, and a vision of dignity for the entire population of this country.

"The FLNKS remains open to dialogue but unyielding on principles. The path to full sovereignty is traced. We invite the State to engage in it fully, loyally, and without pretense."