High Chief Roch Wamytan, a pro-independence leader, feels that the recent clash in Saint Louis between the Kanaks and Wallisians is political, rather than simply ethnic. Wamytan believes that the Wallisians are being used to prevent the community from becoming pro-independent. The recent conflict, the razing of a traditional Kanak hut and the exchange of gunfire, breached the 2002 peace agreement and ended a seven month period of cease fire. The 2002 agreement stipulated that the 171 Wallisian families would relocate. Approximately 100 families have moved to date. If the remaining Wallisan families stay in the community they will tip the balance of power towards the Right, preventing the region from containing a majority of pro-Independence Kanaks, and influence next year’s elections for the Southern Province assembly.
