Australia and New Zealand Plan Evacuation Flights to New Caledonia Amid Deadly Riots
In response to a week of violent riots in New Caledonia, Australia and New Zealand have announced plans to dispatch government aircraft to evacuate their citizens from the troubled French territory. The unrest, triggered by electoral modifications imposed by the French government in Paris, has prompted this emergency evacuation operation.
Australia and New Zealand have announced that they will be sending government planes to New Caledonia on Tuesday to evacuate their nationals from the French territory. This decision comes in response to a week of deadly riots that were sparked by electoral changes made by the French government in Paris.
On Tuesday, France's High Commission in New Caledonia confirmed that the airport is still closed for commercial flights. They also mentioned that the military will be deployed to protect public buildings in the area.
Around 3,200 people were stuck in New Caledonia last week because commercial flights were canceled due to the unrest, according to the local government.
Over 1,000 gendarmes and police from France were already on duty, with an additional 600 personnel set to join them soon, as confirmed by France's High Commission.
The unrest has resulted in the deaths of six people and has caused extensive damage, including burnt businesses, cars, and looted shops. Road barricades are also blocking access to essential items like medicine and food. The business chamber reported that 150 companies have been looted and burnt.
A burnt building is seen in the Normandy industrial zone in Noumea, France's Pacific territory of New Caledonia, on May 20, 2024.
A burnt building is seen in the Normandy industrial zone in Noumea, France's Pacific territory of New Caledonia, on May 20, 2024.
Theo Rouby/AFP/Getty Images
New Zealand, French, and Australian foreign ministers had a call on Monday evening to discuss the situation. Both New Zealand and Australia were waiting for clearance from French authorities to send defense aircraft to evacuate tourists.
Later, France's defense council met and agreed on arrangements to allow tourists to return home.
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has stated that the priority for the government is to bring back New Zealanders who are currently in New Caledonia and have faced challenging situations in recent days. 
Adrian Muckle, Senior Lecturer in the History Programme at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand explains the latest violence in New Caledonia.
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The situation in New Caledonia has become calmer after days of unrest. The support of relevant authorities in Paris and Nouméa has been acknowledged in facilitating a recent flight. More flights will be sent in the coming days.
Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced on social media that two government-assisted departure flights have been approved for Australian and other tourists in New Caledonia.
Last week, protests broke out in response to a constitutional amendment in France that sparked anger among indigenous Kanak people. The amendment could change election participation rules, causing concern among local leaders about diluting the Kanak vote.
Editor's P/S:
The recent riots in New Caledonia, sparked by electoral changes imposed by the French government, have left a trail of devastation and highlighted the ongoing
