On Thursday, the president of France held a series of meetings with local representatives in the restive Pacific territory of New Caledonia. He urged calm in the wake of deadly rioting and vowed that thousands of military reinforcements would remain in place to suppress what he termed an “unprecedented insurrection.”
After a 24-hour flight, Emmanuel Macron arrived in the capital Noumea on Thursday to explore potential solutions to the over a week-long series of looting, arson, and confrontations that have resulted in the deaths of six individuals and the injuries of hundreds. A French voting reform proposal that native Kanaks claim will reduce their influence is what sparked the unrest.
The French leader informed reporters that his “absolute priority” is “a return to peace, calm, and security” as he departed the plane at Tontouta International Airport.
approximately twelve hours.What is the cause of the disturb
ance in New Caledonia?Since the 1800s, France has governed New Caledonia; however, a significant number of indigenous Kanaks continue to harbor resentment toward Paris’s authori
ty over their islands and desire greater autonomy or independence.The most violent unrest in the archipelago in four decades was precipitated by French proposals to grant voting rights to thousands of non-indigenous long-term residents. Kanaks contend that this would diminis
h the impact of their ballots.Gogny, the president of the senate in New Caledonia, stated that the voting reform plans have “breached the contract of trust” with Paris. The senate is a consultative entity that provides input on matters that affect Kanaks.
Since Separatists have constructed barricades that have isolated entire neighborhoods and the primary access route to the international airport, which remains closed, since May 13. In response, individuals of French and other ethnic backgrounds have blocked off streets in t
posed to these plans. The image depicts a damaged structure.Adding that “no-one saw it coming with this level of organization and violence,” Macron described the movement of insurrection as “completely unpr
ecedented.”Scores of vehicles, schools, shops, and businesses have been destroyed
in the course of nightly riots.French authorities have implemented a state of emergency, prohibited the sale of alcohol, placed separatist leaders under house arrest, and dispatched approximately 3,000 military, police, and other security
personnel to alleviate the unrest.r, CBS News’ Elaine Cobbe, reporting from Paris, contends that the unrest was not unprecedented, despite Macron’s assertion. She notes that there have been numerous insurrections and protests against French authority over the course of decades, with the most severe incident occurring in 1988, when 21 individuals were killed during a protracted hostage-taking.
The iThe Kanaks, who are indigenous to the region, have been engaged in a protracted struggle against French colonization, which has resulted in a significant migration of French and other Europeans since the 19th century. The new law is opposed by a significant number of Kanaks, as they currently constitute on
ly 41% of the population.Opponents are concerned that it would significantly increase Paris’s authority over
Many Kanaks believe that the failure of numerous referenda to achieve independence is at least partially attributable to the fact that the majority of electors are not Kanak and have stronger connections to the French mainland.
Macron haMacron has rejected the possibility of reversing the referendum results, asserting that peace could not be achieved by disregarding the people’s will or “somehow disputing the road that has
already been taken.”What is the significance of New Caledonia,
and where is it located?The extent of the stakes may be indicated by Macron’s willingness to embark on such a lengthy travel mere weeks prior to critical
European elections.ted his visit with a minute of silence in remembrance of the deceased and engaged in lengthy discussions with elected officials who opposed independence. Subsequently, he visited a police station to express his gratitude to the security forces.
Macron pledged that “decisions” and “announcements” regarding subsequent actions would be made by the conclusion of the day. He also stated that he was prepared to extend his stay if necessary.
The security forces would remain in Paris from July to August for as long as necessary, including during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
ew Caledonia.Despite its distance from the French mainland of 10,500 miles, New Caledonia is a strategic outpost in an increasingly contested region and is much closer to Australia than to E
urope.h Pacific is a critical geopolitical real estate, and China, the United States, New Zealand, Japan, Arab Gulf states, and France are all competing for influence.
New CalAdditionally, New Caledonia is a significant nickel producer, accounting for up to 30% of the global nickel
reserves.Tourists are on the lookout for an exit, which
is causing tension on the streets.Macron’s most recent visit to New Caledonia occurred in July 2023, during which it was boycotte
d by Kanak representatives.eless, the Caledonian Union (UC), the most prominent pro-independence movement, and the CCAT collective, which has coordinated months of protests, were represented at Macron’s meeting on Thursday, according to his office.
Out on tAFP correspondents observed Kanaks in the streets on the day of Macron’s visit, who were still operating reinforced roadblocks, displaying protest banners against the electoral reform, and flying pr
o-independence flags.t law is no longer a topic of discussion for Lele, a 41-year-old mother who advocates for independence, as it “does not exist to us any more, since individuals have died.”
But a heHowever, a significant police presence was preserving a semblance of normalcy in central Noumea. Numerous shops had reopened to customers, and lengthy lines had forme
ed a line to purchase bread.Although hundreds more tourists from Australia and New Zealand are still trapped, they have begun to escape the tu
rmoil.Macron’s heavily secured visit on Thursday resulted in the suspension of additional repatriation f
lights, which elicited outrage.In an email to travelers, the Australian foreign ministry informed them that there would be no flights on Thursday. Winston Peters, the Foreign Minister of New Z
ealand, described the situation as “frustrating.”Repeated delays have been experienced in the efforts to reopen the international airport for commercial flights. ators hope connections will resume on Saturday.
