Tourists in Limbo in New Caledonia Amid Macron's Visit to France's Pacific Island

Maxwell Winchester and his wife were looking forward to a relaxing vacation in the South Pacific island of New Caledonia. It was their first time without their children since becoming parents. However, their romantic getaway turned into a nightmare when deadly riots erupted across the French territory due to electoral changes imposed by the national government. As a result, the Australian couple found themselves stranded far from their kids back home in Victoria.

"We have been staying indoors because it has been too risky to go outside. There have been barricades, riots, and even shops being looted and burned down in our area," he shared with CNN.

He mentioned that in the hotel where they are staying, supplies like food and medicine are running out. There is also uncertainty about when assistance will come as evacuations for foreign nationals have been put on hold on Thursday because French President Emmanuel Macron is in town for discussions.

“We have people who have run out of medicine … People are running out of food. Other Australians stranded have had to go scrounge coconuts to eat,” he said.

Maxwell Winchester and his wife, an Australian couple stranded in New Caledonia after the unrest broke out.

Maxwell Winchester and his wife, an Australian couple stranded in New Caledonia after the unrest broke out.

Obtained by CNN

Now, the couple and other foreigners stranded on the island are working hard to figure out how to get back home. Commercial flights have been canceled, and the main international airport is shut down.

The couple shared, "Our embassy was nowhere to be found on the first day. We only received a welfare call from them last night, after all this time. We're feeling frustrated about the situation. Our hope is that our government will arrange for our evacuation soon."

Australia and New Zealand have started sending government planes to bring back their citizens. The Australian embassy in New Caledonia shared on Facebook that 108 Australians and tourists were safely flown from the island to Brisbane on two flights on Tuesday. They mentioned on Wednesday that they are collaborating with partners to assist all Australians who wish to depart.

Winchester mentioned that he, along with other tourists, are unsure of when they will be able to leave the island. The local government approximates that there are about 3,200 individuals waiting to depart or arrive on the island.

According to Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), they are in direct contact with registered Australians in New Caledonia regarding their options for leaving the island. DFAT has advised Australians on the island to provide their details on the agency’s online portal for assistance.

People line up at a store for supplies in New Caledonia, with larger supermarkets nearby burned and looted during the riots on the French territory.

People line up at a store for supplies in New Caledonia, with larger supermarkets nearby burned and looted during the riots on the French territory.

Obtained by CNN

Deadly unrest

Located around 930 miles (approximately 1,500 kilometers) northeast of Brisbane, New Caledonia has always been a sought-after vacation spot for Australians and New Zealanders seeking beautiful Pacific beaches and sunny weather.

However, the island is also a reminder of France's colonial history, being a territory where many native residents face persistent poverty and have historically struggled against French governance.

The recent protests, the most severe since the 1980s, were triggered by frustration among the indigenous Kanak people over a constitutional amendment passed in France. This amendment would alter the eligibility criteria for participating in elections, a change that local leaders believe will weaken the Kanak community's voting power.

A burnt climbing wall is pictured in the Magenta district of Noumea, New Caledonia on May 15, 2024.

A burnt climbing wall is pictured in the Magenta district of Noumea, New Caledonia on May 15, 2024.

Theo Rouby/AFP/Getty Images

Related article

Why this French island in the Pacific is being roiled by violence over a vote held 10,000 miles away

The violence has resulted in the deaths of at least six individuals, along with numerous burned vehicles and shops that have been looted. Roadblocks have been set up, preventing people from accessing essential supplies like medicine and food.

As the situation escalated, Macron had to travel a long distance of about 16,000 kilometers (10,000 miles) to reach an island where anger was brewing among indigenous leaders, business operators, and tourists who found themselves stuck.

Macron arrived in New Caledonia on Thursday, emphasizing that his main focus is on restoring peace. He mentioned that French security forces will remain in the territory for as long as needed, even during the Olympic Games.

He informed that three thousand French security forces have been sent to New Caledonia, with more arriving on Thursday. Macron expressed his belief that the state of emergency can be lifted if all political groups on the island unite in calling for the removal of roadblocks.

During his visit, Macron will establish a mission in New Caledonia, as announced by government spokesperson Prisca Thevenot during a recent press conference. This visit is in preparation for the upcoming Paris Olympic Games scheduled from July 26 to August 11.

In light of Macron's visit, roads have been barricaded for security measures.

Winchester and his wife, who are currently staying at a resort outside the city center, found little comfort in Macron's arrival. They shared the anxiety and desperation felt by both hotel guests and staff. The resort has blocked off all roads except for one entrance, which is constantly guarded.

Frustration is mounting among the stranded tourists due to what they perceive as a lack of support or clear guidance from their respective governments.

The Australian government is informing its citizens of evacuation plans only 30 minutes before the flight, citing security reasons. This causes a sense of constant anxiety and fear among the individuals, who are hesitant to leave their hotel rooms in anticipation of a last-minute call to board the plane.

CNN has contacted DFAT for a statement regarding their evacuation strategies.

A burnt building in an industrial district in Noumea, New Caledonia, on May 20, 2024.

A burnt building in an industrial district in Noumea, New Caledonia, on May 20, 2024.

Due to the closure of the international airport, evacuation flights are now only departing from the domestic airport. This airport is situated near the city center. However, it is difficult for individuals staying further away, such as Winchester and other resort guests, to access the domestic airport. This is because of roadblocks and violence involving firearms on the main highways.

He mentioned that since he and his wife do not own a car, they are unsure how they will reach the city if they need to catch a flight. Driving to the city at this time is considered risky due to the current situation.

Similarly, New Zealand citizens on the island are facing a similar situation. They have been advised by their governments to drive to the city, park their cars at a hotel to prevent theft, and then wait to be picked up for evacuation.

"He mentioned that things could worsen with Macron's visit. The French government's handling of the situation has not been good. There is a fear that if Macron says the wrong things and returns to France, the tensions could escalate again."

Meanwhile, stranded foreign nationals are still trying to find a way to leave, incurring high expenses. Winchester mentioned tourists spending large amounts of money on food, lodging, and necessities, totaling tens of thousands of dollars.

The couple is currently attempting to travel to the city with some New Zealand nationals. They hope to find a flight out with them, believing that safety in numbers is important on the dangerous journey.

The husband expressed his concerns about their government's stance. He mentioned that the French government is expected to evacuate them, but they do not trust in their ability to ensure their safety.

Editor's P/S:

The situation in New Caledonia highlights the fragility of tourism and the challenges faced by travelers in volatile regions. The idyllic vacation destination has turned into a nightmare for Australian and New Zealand tourists who find themselves stranded amidst deadly riots and political unrest. The lack of clear communication and support from their governments has added to their anxiety and frustration.

The article exposes the complexities of post-colonialism and the ongoing struggles of indigenous communities for self-determination. The constitutional amendment that sparked the protests has ignited deep-seated grievances and mistrust between the Kanak people and the French government. The violence and unrest underscore the need for dialogue and reconciliation to address historical injustices and promote inclusivity. As foreign nationals caught in the crossfire, the stranded tourists serve as a reminder of the interconnectedness of global events and the importance of empathetic diplomacy in resolving conflicts.