Jean-Marie Tjibaou (French pronunciation: [ʒɑ̃ maʁi tʃibau]; January 30, 1936 – May 4, 1989[1]) was a French politician in New Caledonia and leader of the Kanak independence movement. The son of a tribal chief, Tjibaou was ordained a Catholic priest but abandoned his religious vocation for a life in political activism. He was killed in 1989 at the age of 53.
Jean-Marie Tjibaou | |
|---|---|
| In office 18 June 1982 – 6 September 1984 | |
| Preceded by | Dick Ukeiwé |
| Succeeded by | Dick Ukeiwé |
| Vice-président of the New-Caledonia Council of government | |
| Mayor of Hienghène | |
| In office 1977–1989 | |
| Preceded by | Yves de Villelongue |
| Succeeded by | Joseph Karié Bwarhat |
| President of Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front | |
| In office 1984–1989 | |
| Preceded by | Founder |
| Succeeded by | Paul Néaoutyine |
| President of Caledonian Union | |
| In office 1986–1989 | |
| Preceded by | Rock Pidjot |
| Succeeded by | François Burck |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 30 January 1936 Hienghène, Nouvelle-Calédonie |
| Died | 4 May 1989 Ouvéa, Nouvelle-Calédonie |
| Nationality | French |
| Political party | Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front Union calédonienne |
| Spouse | Marie-Claude Wetta |
| Children | Emmanuel Tjibaou |
| Alma mater | Faculté catholique de Lyon École pratique des hautes études |
| Profession | catholic priest Fonctionnaire territorial |
You can help expand this article with text translated from the corresponding article in French. (December 2008) Click [show] for important translation instructions.
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Career
editDuring the 1970s, he undertook a thesis in ethnology at the Sorbonne. While he did not complete his studies, he became engaged in cultural and ethnicity issues on New Caledonia. In 1975 he arranged the Melanesia 2000 festival, which emphasized the Kanak identity.
He was appointed mayor of Hienghène in 1977 and, in 1979, he was made territorial councillor in the newly formed Independence Front, and the head of the pro-independence Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front in 1984.
His son, Emmanuel Tjibaou is also a kanak independentist - he became French MP in 2024.[2]
Death
editOn 4 May 1989, Tjibaou was shot dead along with Yeiwéné Yeiwéné in Ouvéa by another Kanak, Djubelly Wéa.[3] A cultural leader in the promotion of the indigenous Kanak culture, Wéa was shot dead by Tjibaou's bodyguards after the attack. Witnesses said other gunmen were involved.[4]
Honors
editThe modern Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre, designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, is named in his honour.
See also
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References
edit- ^ "Kanak leader assassinated". The Press. 5 May 1989. p. 5. Retrieved 19 May 2024 – via Papers Past.
- ^ Emmanuel Tjibaou's profile at the website of French National Assembly
- ^ "Threat to New Caledonia peace shocks French Govt". The Press. 6 May 1989. p. 12. Retrieved 19 May 2024 – via Papers Past.
- ^ "Three Men Held in New Caledonia Killings". Associated Press.
External links
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