French President Macron's Visit to Troubled New Caledonia

French President Emmanuel Macron is heading to New Caledonia, as confirmed by a government official. The Pacific archipelago has been experiencing a week of violent unrest. Macron departed from Paris on Tuesday night for the French territory. During a press conference, government spokesperson Prisca Thevenot mentioned that Macron will be establishing a mission there, although specific details were not provided.

Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin, Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu, and Overseas Minister Marie Guévenoux will be accompanying him, as announced by Darmanin to the National Assembly.

New Caledonia has been experiencing riots due to electoral changes imposed by the national government. The violence has resulted in the deaths of at least six individuals, as well as destruction of property, including burned cars and looted shops. Road barricades have also been set up, hindering access to essential supplies like medicine and food.

The recent violence in New Caledonia is a result of long-standing political tensions between the pro-independence indigenous Kanak communities and the French inhabitants who are against breaking ties with France.

In response to the escalating situation, President Macron has visited the island, while Australia and New Zealand are evacuating their nationals, and additional French security personnel have been deployed to help address the unrest.

The airport in New Caledonia will continue to be closed for commercial flights until May 25, as announced by France’s High Commission.

Additionally, Thevenot shared on Tuesday that 1,000 additional French security forces have been deployed to New Caledonia, joining the 1,700 personnel already present on the island. Darmanin also informed the French legislature that the number of police and gendarmes in New Caledonia is expected to increase to 3,000 soon.

Prime Minister Gabriel Attal mentioned to France’s National Assembly that things are getting better.

The protests kicked off on May 13, mainly with young participants, after a proposal was put forward in the French parliament to alter New Caledonia’s constitution, aiming to grant more voting rights to French citizens residing on the islands. Eventually, on Tuesday, the lawmakers voted in large numbers in favor of the amendment.

Editor's P/S:

The ongoing unrest in New Caledonia is a stark reminder of the deep-rooted tensions between the indigenous Kanak population and the French inhabitants. The recent