New Caledonia Likely to Give up Push for Independence, Become a French State

Decades of sometimes violent unrest are set to end as all parties announce they’ve reached an historic agreement.

French President Emmanuel Macron walks through a door on the day of a meeting with New Caledonia's elected officials and state representatives at the Elysee Palace, in Paris on July 12, 2025. Tom Nicholson/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

French ministers and the leaders of New Caledonia’s loyalist and separatist groups have announced an agreement which should put an end to violent clashes in the island territory. It will also end the hope of independence leaders for nationhood.

After fighting broke out in the French territory over independence in May last year, France sent around 500 additional police officers to reinforce the 1,800 usually present on the island, and deployed soldiers to protect the main port and airport.