Article source: "Rupture historique : Les Kali’na se retirent du Grand Conseil Coutumier de Guyane", Éric Léon, Guyane la 1ère, 3/10/2024.
In a historic move, the indigenous Kali’na people have officially taken the decision to leave French Guiana’s Great Customary Council (Grand Conseil Coutumier). Their withdrawal comes in the wake of the controversial election of the council president on 27 September 2024, which exacerbated previously heightened tensions. This announcement, accompanied by a press release on 2 October, comes amid accusations of violations of the traditions and agreements between the different peoples of French Guiana. This radical course of action was agreed upon at a tribal gathering in the village of Prospérité de Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, which is regarded as a highly symbolic site by the community.
“The indigenous college elected its president and vice-president by majority vote during the Congress held in Belle-Terre on 13 April 2024,” the press release stated. However, the situation took a turn for the worse because “this decision, which reflects the majority’s will and respects the customs, was seriously undermined by the interference of the leaders of the Aluku, who claimed to be the sole representatives of all six Bushinengue peoples.”
"Complete Withdrawal"
In response to this “historic rupture in our customary relations” and the betrayal of the “promise”, the Kali’na people, represented by 14 Yopotos, have taken a decision that is “firm and final: complete withdrawal from the Great Customary Council of French Guiana.”
From now on, all matters related to the Areas of Collective Use Rights, almost 230,000 acres of land granted by the state for their activities, will “be handled exclusively by and for the Kali’na people, through our own governance, without any intermediary or external interference.”
"Inalienable Right" to Sovereignty
The autonomy demanded by the Kali’na people raises new questions about future cooperation between the indigenous peoples of French Guiana and the management of their land. The press release asserts, in conclusion: “We insist on our inalienable right to manage our land, our ressources, and our future, independent of any structure that does not respect our traditions and values.”
This decision marks a turning point for the Kali’na people, who now claim their independence, and are ready to defend their sovereignty and demand respect for their land rights.
Translated by Émeline Guillot, Aurélien Aubin and Inès Kramm.
Editing by Sam Trainor.