Kanak Country Congress elects new Customary Senate president

The 26th Congress of the Kanak Country was held on August 28-29, 2026, at the Customary Senate in New Caledonia. The event focused on the theme of unity, responsibility, and future orientation for the Kanak people.

During the congress, Richard Poarairiwa of the Paicî-Cèmuhi area was elected as the new president of the Customary Senate, succeeding Ludovic Boula of the Drehu area. In his inaugural address, Poarairiwa emphasized that the institution must play an active role during a period of historical transition, citing economic and social crises, climate challenges, and societal fractures.

The congress included workshops addressing four priority areas: the modernization of customary institutions, social cohesion and conflict resolution, economic and social development of the eight customary areas, and the creation of roadmaps for Kanak youth. Naïa Wateoua, first vice-president of the Congress, also called for a balance between maintaining cultural roots and addressing the contemporary realities of New Caledonia.