Wallisian customary crisis

The Wallisian customary crisis was a political crisis on the island of Wallis, in the Wallis and Futuna overseas collectivity. The crisis, which began in the 1990s, manifested itself in 2005 in a dispute over the succession to the title of customary king (lavelua) of the Kingdom of Uvea after the very long reign of Tomasi Kulimoetoke. The king's supporters clashed with the “renovators”, who wanted to see a change in custom and a sharing of power. This crisis continued during the reign of Kapeliele Faupala, then resumed in 2016 with the enthronement of two rival lavelua (Tominiko Halagahu and Patalione Kanimoa, the latter finally recognized by the French state). It highlighted the deep divisions that ran through Wallis society and created tensions between the customary chieftaincy and representatives of the French state, who were taken to task and witnessed. It was also followed by the Wallisians and Futunians of New Caledonia. In 2023, Wallisian society was still divided.