14 Sep 2018

West Papuans urge Kanaks to vote for independence

From , 3:03 pm on 14 September 2018

The West Papua National Committee has urged New Caledonia's indigenous Melanesians to vote for independence during the upcoming referendum.

In November, New Caledonia is to hold a referendum on possible independence from France.

The Committee, a pro-independence organisation based in Indonesia's Papua region, says it's important that the Kanaks take up the opportunity of decolonisation which it says West Papuans have been denied.

Its chairman, Victor Yeimo, told Johnny Blades that West Papuans are closely watching how the Kanaks approach the New Caledonia referendum.

The West Papua National Committee chairman Victor Yeimo addressing a 2016 demonstration in Jayapura.

The West Papua National Committee chairman Victor Yeimo addressing a 2016 demonstration in Jayapura. Photo: Tabloid Jubi