France, July 12 -- New Caledonia's political leaders have signed what is being described as a "historic" agreement near Paris, outlining a new institutional future for the territory. The deal, reached after ten days of negotiations, establishes an "Etat de Nouvelle-Caledonie" (State of New Caledonia) to be enshrined in the French Constitution, and introduces Caledonian nationality alongside French citizenship.

The agreement still requires local ratification but represents a significant step forward after years of tension, including deadly riots in 2024 over electoral reforms.

Under the new terms, the local electoral roll will be opened to residents who have lived in New Caledonia for at least ten years, starting with the 2031 provincial...