Is it strategically important? They have a very small military presence there (less than 2000 normally), no Naval Base, and the nickel mines are in the process of shutting down and leaving, partially because of severe problems obtaining adequate electric power.

I’m also unsure why non-native people who have lived on New Caledonia for more than 10 years should be excluded from having a say in the government of the island, given that most of them are French and the island did not choose independence.

I can understand why the Kanaks do want keep the control they have, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they should.