“Show that all the Caledonians of Montpellier can march together for peace”: a march organized this Thursday

Luana Bonfiglio organise la marche blanche à Montpellier. DR – DR

A white march for peace in New Caledonia is organized this Thursday, May 23, from 6 p.m. on the Comédie, in Montpellier. This will be an opportunity to convey a message of unity in the face of the events that have shaken Le Caillou for two weeks.

20,000 kilometers separate them but they have never been so close to each other. Since riots broke out in New Caledonia, leaving six people dead, their loved ones in mainland France have been living in anguish.

Luana Bonfiglio is a young woman who grew up on the Pacific island and is currently in Montpellier for her studies. To show solidarity with her native island, she is organizing an event dedicated to peace, this Thursday, May 23, from 6 p.m., on the Place de la Comédie.

What do you feel??

All Caledonians living in France are very worried. In fact, we have never been so anxious. We are stunned by the extreme violence, and there is also great helplessness. We are on the phone with our families and loved ones all the time to find out what is going on there.

What's the news from your family?

My father has not worked for two weeks, like many New Caledonians. They have bulletproof vests and take turns at roadblocks to secure their homes. There are power outages and the worry of not knowing what might happen.

Did you expect to experience this ?

No, not at all, we felt safe. Even Covid, we didn’t feel it like we did in mainland France.

Where did the idea of ​​organizing a demonstration come from??

The idea of ​​organizing white marches for peace, almost everywhere in France, was born on social networks. We want to show that all the Caledonians of Montpellier can march together for peace. This is why there will be no slogans or French or Kanak flags. We are apolitical and there will only be white flags.

Isn’t it hard not to take sides?

Yes, of course, everyone has their own opinion. But this parade all together is what will make our message strong. We also want people in New Caledonia to see what is happening here. And we invite residents of mainland France to join us.

La Case, meeting place for the Caledonians

Approximately 400 Caldonians live nearby. Montpellier. It is the La Case Calédonienne association which has been their relay in town for more than fifty years. But the building of the Plan des 4 Seigneurs acquired by the government of New Caledonia, which serves as their base, suffers from the wear and tear of time.

President of the association since 2021, Lydia Galuola told the story of to the World the history of this building. "New Caledonia acquired this building to accommodate young Caledonians " the end of their year of military service, then students."

"The House was then é entrusted to the Caldoches Students' Association (AEC), which was led by Caldoches. In 1984, the association became AETK, the k in Kanak replacing the c. Since the 2000s, we have returned to something more neutral, the Association of Students of the Caledonian Territory (AETC)."

Last Sunday, La Case welcomed around fifty New Caledonians who shared a meal. "a moment of contemplation (and) listening", in order to "mutually support".

Do the Caledonians of Montpellier exchange with each other ? 

Yes, we try to keep in touch with each other. This walk is also an opportunity to get together. There are many New Caledonian students in Montpellier, particularly in medicine and law. I have been studying here myself for almost three years. 

Is it easy to live so far from your native land ?

No, when you arrive in mainland France, it is sometimes difficult to familiarize yourself with the atmosphere. It’s less family-friendly here. But at least there is no cultural gap.

See you this Thursday, May 23 at 6 p.m. at the Comédie. Event in town from 6:30 p.m. I subscribe to read more