French President Emmanuel Macron embarked on a journey to New Caledonia on Wednesday in an effort to find a political resolution to the ongoing turmoil in the French archipelago located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, approximately 16,000 kilometers (10,000 miles) away from mainland France. Despite his presence in the air, the violence continues to smolder.
This unrest has brought forth fresh concerns regarding Macron’s approach to France’s colonial past. For many years, tensions have persisted between the Indigenous Kanaks, who aspire for independence for the territory’s population of 270,000, and the descendants of colonizers and other settlers who wish to maintain their ties with France.
The eruption of this unrest occurred on May 13, while the French legislature in Paris was deliberating amendments to the French Constitution that would modify the voter lists in New Caledonia. Opponents of this measure apprehend that it will favor pro-France politicians in the region and further marginalize the Kanaks, who have previously endured severe segregation policies and widespread discrimination.
Macron, who departed from France on Tuesday evening, is anticipated to arrive in New Caledonia on Thursday morning. The presidential Elysee Palace has stated that his main focus will be on restoring order and facilitating dialogue among local leaders, as well as discussing the extensive reconstruction required after the violence, which has resulted in damage estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of Euros.
In addition to these objectives, Macron also aims to express solidarity with the inhabitants of the territory, extend gratitude to the security forces, and hold meetings with local leaders to address both reconstruction and political matters.
Macron has been actively involved in New Caledonia’s political landscape for a considerable period, particularly in fostering dialogue between pro-independence and pro-France factions. His efforts culminated in a 2018 referendum, in which New Caledonians narrowly voted to remain part of France.
According to the New Caledonia High Commission, 1,050 reinforcements from the gendarmerie, police, and civil security have been deployed. Furthermore, over 90 roadblocks have been dismantled, more than 280 individuals have been arrested, and 84 police officers and gendarmes have sustained injuries. Fortunately, no new fatalities have been reported, although six people have tragically lost their lives in the ongoing violence, including two police members.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced on social media that a third evacuation flight has successfully transported 103 Australians and their family members from New Caledonia to the city of Brisbane on Wednesday.
Wong expressed her gratitude to the officials for conducting the flights on the platform X.
Late on Tuesday, two flights organized by the Australian military transported a total of 115 passengers from New Caledonia. However, it was uncertain whether the flight was originally intended to be a French government plane or one of the Australian military aircraft on standby for faster evacuation of Australian citizens. Shortly after,
France declared its willingness to handle the evacuation of stranded foreigners.
