Stories by Patrick Decloitre

Analysis - Michel Barnier's announcements Tuesday on New Caledonia has triggered a series of mixed reactions across the French Pacific archipelago's political spectrum.

Michel Barnier also confirmed that the provincial elections, initially scheduled to take place in New Caledonia not later than mid-December 2024, will be postponed until late 2025. Audio

Five individuals wanted by French authorities have surrendered in besieged New Caledonia's pro-independence stronghold of Saint Louis.

The ballistic missile test was reported to have ended its path some 700 kilometres away from French Polynesia's Marquesas Islands, albeit outside its Exclusive Economic Zone. Audio

François-Noël Buffet as the new minister for French Overseas has been mostly welcomed in the French Pacific.

Analysis - In an atmosphere of uneasy calm, the highly symbolic day of 24 September was marked by events throughout New Caledonia. Audio

François Noël Buffet is France's new "minister responsible to the Prime Minister, in charge of Overseas".

Two people are confirmed dead after clashes between police and dwellers in the village of Saint Louis, near Nouméa, local media report on Thursday.

A round up of French Pacific news in brief, including New Caledonia's rugby union targeted by arson for the second time.

Parties within the pro-independence FLNKS have denounced what they term "assassinations" and "barbaric methods" but public prosecutor Yves Dupas swiftly denied the claim. Audio

Fears of potential unrest on New Caledonia's symbolic date of 24 September have prompted stronger restrictions. Audio

Local government President Louis Mapou has declared a level 2 emergency on the communes of Koumac and Kaala-Gomen, where fire and emergency services have been struggling to extinguish several blazes.

Southern Province President Sonia Backès had already hinted last week that one buyer had now been found and that one bidder had successfully reached advanced stages in the due diligence process.

A local consortium in New Caledonia is reported to have made an eleventh-hour offer to take over and restart activity at the Koniambo nickel plant.

A delegation from New Caledonia is scheduled to travel to Paris next week to meet high level officials, including the presidents of both Houses of Parliament.

New Caledonia's domestic carrier Air Calédonie is set to launch a bi-weekly international connection to neighbouring Vanuatu.

Analysis - The latest fire took place on Sunday evening at the iconic Saint Denis Church of Balade, in Pouébo, on the northern tip of the main island of Grande Terre.

A round-up of news in brief from French Pacific territories, including almost 2000 people taking part in New Caledonia's famous white worms celebrations, despite the current crisis.

The new financial buoy would allow those essential services to continue operating, at least for the month of September.

However, the meeting spokesperson has denied any "breakup" within the FLNKS.

Analysis - In a first in New Caledonia's short Congress history, the new Chair of the local Parliament is now a woman.

A round-up of news in brief from the French Pacific region, including a new finance minister for French Polynesia, and 'riots' risk no longer covered by New Caledonia insurance companies.

Analysis - There's been a flurry of statements, counter-statements, denials, affirmations from left, right and centre in New Caledonia with no resolution in sight for the ongoing crisis.

A round-up of news in brief from the French Pacific region, including the Paris Olympics surfing event legacy left behind for the use of local residents.

Commodore Geoffroy d'Andigné warned against a false sense of security in the Pacific Ocean, or to think that a conflict on the other side of the world would not affect the region.