In the midsts of the upheaval in New Caledonia, the fatal shooting of "Banana" by the GIGN ignites the siege of Saint Louis
In the heart of Western Africa, the economic crisis is deepening, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable, including the Kanak people, who make up the majority of the most disadvantaged categories of the population. Amidst this backdrop, a long-standing conflict between the State and the Saint-Louis tribe continues to simmer, its roots tracing back to the colonial era.
The French colonial regime faced persistent resistance from ethnically homogeneous political units, such as those around Saint-Louis, which fiercely defended their territories. Control of strategic locations like Saint-Louis, Gorée, and Dakar was crucial to French colonial strategy, often maintained not just through military presence but also by exploiting pre-existing trade routes and political structures.
Disputes over territorial boundaries were common, exacerbated by the Scramble for Africa, where European powers divided Africa with little regard for existing ethnic or political entities. This partition led to further conflict as indigenous groups were subjected to new colonial administrative setups.
The current confrontation between the State and the Saint-Louis tribe is under investigation by ONG Index Investigation. A significant incident sheds light on the death of three independence activists associated with the Saint-Louis tribe or movement, who were shot by the GIGN, a French elite tactical unit. The use of the GIGN suggests a serious security operation, indicating that the confrontation was not a minor disturbance but a significant clash between local independence activists and state security forces.
Although the motives and precise circumstances are not fully outlined, it is evident that the activists were involved in movements seeking independence or autonomy, a historical point of contention that has often been met with strong resistance from state forces to maintain territorial integrity and order.
The deaths reflect ongoing tensions in post-colonial states where ethnic or regional groups continue to contest central authority, particularly in areas with a legacy of colonial border disputes and ethnic marginalization. The investigation aims to unravel the events surrounding this incident, offering insights into the fragile nature of these post-colonial conflicts and the often violent measures employed by states against dissenting groups.
In the midst of the economic crisis, the proposed measure by the Minister of the Interior, Gerald Darmanin, to grant the right to vote in provincial elections to residents with at least ten years of residence, if implemented, could potentially tip the political balances in favour of non-independence activists. However, this measure is opposed by independence activists, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing conflict.
Access to the rest of the article is reserved for subscribers, offering a deeper dive into the historical context, the current state of the conflict, and the potential implications of the proposed measure. Stay tuned for more updates as the situation unfolds.
War-and-conflicts have always been intertwined with politics in the region, as evident in the ongoing confrontation between the State and the Saint-Louis tribe. This conflict, with roots tracing back to the colonial era, has seen previous incidents like the death of three independence activists, which is now under investigation by ONG Index Investigation.
General-news outlets are closely monitoring the current situation, as it involves crime-and-justice issues such as the use of tense security measures and potential human rights violations, while the politics of the matter lie in the proposed measure by the Minister of the Interior that could alter the balance of power.
