France’s President Emmanuel Macron has traveled to New Caledonia, an overseas French territory located 1,500 kilometers east of Australia, to address severe unrest that has resulted in several deaths. The unrest was sparked by a proposed electoral reform.
During his visit, President Macron engaged in discussions with various political factions to mediate the crisis in the geopolitically significant region. “I stand with the people in their quest for peace, calm, and security,” Macron declared upon his arrival on Thursday morning, local time.
Macron assured that decisions and announcements would be made throughout his visit, which includes meetings with local politicians and business leaders. The talks will also focus on addressing supply shortages caused by the riots and the economic reconstruction of the territory. The local Chamber of Commerce had already estimated the economic damage from the unrest at a minimum of 150 million euros.
Accompanying Macron were several cabinet members, including Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin and Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu. “We need to bring all parties to the table,” Macron emphasized in the capital, Nouméa, relying on the sense of responsibility of all involved.
New Caledonia holds significant military and geopolitical importance for France, along with its substantial nickel deposits. The unrest, which began over a week ago, stems from a constitutional reform proposed by the Paris government. This reform aims to grant voting rights and thus greater political influence to thousands of French-descended citizens, a move opposed by supporters of the territory’s independence.
The riots have led to the destruction and looting of numerous businesses, and the Nouméa airport remains closed to all commercial flights. France temporarily imposed a state of emergency in New Caledonia and deployed additional police and military forces to the islands.
These forces will remain as long as necessary, Macron stated. While the situation has somewhat calmed, a local politician quoted by the broadcaster 1ère Nouvelle-Calédonie warned that the situation could deteriorate again at any moment. “The chaos is indescribable,” he remarked.
