Monday, May 20, 2024 In a recent development, New Caledonia has experienced significant unrest, prompting France to dispatch a thousand police officers to the region. Despite the arrival of these forces and a subsequent decrease in street clashes, Australia and New Zealand have been unable to conduct evacuation flights for stranded tourists. The French High Commission reported these updates on Monday.
Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, expressed deep concern over the ongoing situation. The riots have severely damaged infrastructure, particularly roads, and established blockades that hinder access to the international airport. This turmoil in the French-ruled territory has persisted for over a week, following deadly riots.
Louis Le Franc, France’s top official in New Caledonia, mentioned that a police operation aimed at regaining control of the road from Noumea, the capital, to the international airport would take several days. Gendarmes have already dismantled 76 roadblocks in an effort to restore order. Due to the unrest: The unrest, which began last week, was sparked by anger among indigenous Kanak people over a constitutional amendment approved in France.
This amendment will change voter eligibility, which local leaders fear will dilute the Kanak vote. The protests have resulted in: Dominique Fochi, the secretary-general of the leading independence movement in the territory, has urged for calm. However, he insists that the government must suspend the constit.
