Stories by Patrick Decloitre

Analysis - An "organic law" to postpone New Caledonia's provincial elections has on Monday passed the final hurdle and was endorsed by the French National Assembly.

The concept of a nickel-exporting-countries organisation, which they call "OPEN" (Organisation des Pays Exportateurs de Nickel) comes from the FLNKS-Union Calédonienne Congress caucus.

A round-up of news in brief from the French Pacific region, including a warning against China's "economic colonisation" as potential nickel investor.

French Polynesia's vice-president Eliane Tevahitua wants Paris to return human remains taken by museums and private collectors in the 19th and 20th century.

New Caledonia-based French armed forces have been recently engaging on several Pacific operational theatres.

A round-up of news in brief from around the French Pacific region, including violence in Noumea.

The French government has agreed to dig into its coffers and help rescue New Caledonia's beleaguered nickel industry. But the aid is tied to a stringent reform "pact".

One of the main components of New Caledonia's pro-independence FLNKS umbrella, the Union Calédonienne (UC), says it now has suspended all discussions with two pro-French parties.

A round-up of news in brief from around the French Pacific region, including the world's longest cruise stoppping in both Tahiti and Moorea islands.

Analysis - New Caledonia's current nickel industry crisis has prompted several pro-French parties to call for a "state of economic urgency".

The French Senate on Tuesday voted by a large majority (307 in favour and 34 against) the postponement of New Caledonia's crucial provincial elections later this year.

Gérald Darmanin has ended his two-day visit to New Caledonia saying his door remained open, but that a controversial Constitutional review scheduled in the next few months was still on track.

A round-up of news in brief from around the French Pacific region, including hunters in New Caledonia's Island province now requiring to apply for a hunting permit.

The crowd - an estimated 2000 according to organisers, 500 according to police - had been called to voice their opposition to a French-planned constitutional amendment process.

Explainer - The draft Constitutional amendment has begun its legislative journey with a first step in the French Senate, where the proposed text is now scheduled to be debated in the Upper House.

A curfew has been imposed at the weekend in the village of Yaté after renewed land-related clashes between rival communities have left two dead and four seriously injured.

A new kind of multi-purpose undersea cable, referred to as "SMART", is scheduled to connect New Caledonia (landing on Lifou Island, Loyalty Islands group) and Port Vila by 2026.

A round-up of news in brief from the French Pacific region, including Nouméa's sharks monitored by ultra-light aircraft.

In the small community of Boulouparis (centre of New Caledonia's main island), a "special" hotel is generating curiosity, sometimes indignation on the social networks.

Analysis - Gérald Darmanin has confirmed he will visit New Caledonia on 20 February, as the French Pacific entity is facing pressing issues on economic and political levels. Audio

Both French Polynesia and New Caledonia are still struggling with the high number of cases of domestic violence against women.

Glencore announced on Monday it has decided to put its Koniambo nickel mining operation in New Caledonia in "care and maintenance" status after accumulating huge losses over the past ten years.

Guévenoux, 47, regarded as close to French President Emmanuel Macron, as an MP for Macron's Renaissance party, is a member of the Law Commission within the French National Assembly.

The one-hour documentary focuses on daily life in one of PNG capital's slums, where most essential services have collapsed and lawlessness and crime seem to be the only remaining rules.

A round-up of news in brief from the French Pacific region, including a strike by employees of the only petrol retail company in Wallis and Futuna causing all service stations to run dry.