French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a surprise trip to New Caledonia, a French Pacific territory engulfed in days of deadly unrest.
Government spokesperson Prisca Thevenot confirmed Macron’s decision after a Cabinet meeting, stating that he will personally make the journey to the archipelago east of Australia.
Escalating Violence and Indigenous Frustration
The situation in New Caledonia has escalated with six people killed, including two gendarmes, and hundreds injured in armed clashes, looting, and arson. This unrest has reignited long-standing tensions between the indigenous Kanak people, who have sought independence, and settlers who wish to remain part of France.
The violence erupted on May 13 amid debates in the French legislature about amending the French Constitution to alter New Caledonia’s voter lists. Critics fear this could further marginalize the Kanak population, who have historically suffered from segregation and discrimination.
READ MORE: “Australia and New Zealand Evacuate Citizens Amid New Caledonia Unrest”
Government Response and State of Emergency
Facing the outbreak of violence, Paris declared a 12-day state of emergency and deployed 1,000 reinforcements to Nouméa, the capital. Thevenot emphasized the need to restore order to facilitate dialogue.
Macron is expected to arrive on Thursday morning and stay for one day, meeting with various leaders to seek a comprehensive political agreement.
Ministerial Delegation and Assessing Damage
Accompanying Macron will be Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, along with other ministers, to assess the destruction firsthand. Parts of Noumea have become no-go zones, with buildings torched and shops pillaged by both pro-independence supporters and those protecting livelihoods.
With emergency powers granted to police and a curfew in place, French authorities claim to be containing the unrest. They have made 22 additional arrests, bringing the total to nearly 300. The violence has prompted renewed discussions about France’s colonial past, prompting Macron’s administration to address these concerns.
Evacuation Efforts and International Assistance
Efforts are underway to clear the highway to Nouméa’s international airport to facilitate the evacuation of stranded tourists. Australia and New Zealand have sent planes to bring their citizens home, with plans for further evacuation flights in cooperation with France.
Macron’s visit comes at a critical juncture for New Caledonia, as the territory grapples with unprecedented violence and deep-rooted societal tensions. His aim is to foster dialogue and seek a political solution to address the grievances of all parties involved.
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