The president of the Republic, Emmanuel Macron, is traveling to New Caledonia this evening, announced government spokeswoman Prisca Thevenot. This visit aims to establish a government mission in a context of tensions and violence linked to constitutional reform.
A fragile return to calm and evacuations in progress
Since the start of the unrest eight days ago, the island has experienced a situation of violence unprecedented for almost 40 years. The constitutional reform, criticized by separatists, sparked riots leading to the death of six people, including two mobile gendarmes. In response, authorities imposed a state of emergency and deployed more than 2700 security forces.
The situation remains tense despite efforts to restore order. Incidents continue to occur, such as the burning of a warehouse on the road leading to the international airport and the ransacking of a cultural center in Doumbea. However, some large stores are gradually reopening, allowing a restocking of food and medicines.
Evacuation of foreign nationals
With Nouméa International Airport closed to commercial flights until Saturday, Australia and New Zealand have begun repatriating their nationals. Several flights have already landed at Magenta airport to evacuate citizens stranded on the island. New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters and his Australian counterpart, Penny Wong, announced the dispatch of several planes for this operation.
Continued examination of constitutional reform
Despite the violence, local authorities insist on the need to continue examining the draft constitutional law, scheduled to be adopted before the end of June. Non-independence political figures believe that backing down in the face of the rioters would be a serious error. The reform project notably provides for the unfreezing of the electorate for the provincial elections, a measure contested by the separatists who fear the marginalization of the voice of the Kanak community.
Reinforcement of security measures
During the last Defense Council, Emmanuel Macron noted progress in restoring order. He ordered the mobilization of military personnel to protect public buildings and ease the burden on internal security forces. The High Commissioner of the Republic in New Caledonia, Louis Le Franc, confirmed a gradual improvement in the situation.
At the same time, the Prime Minister Gabriel Attal also plans a visit to New Caledonia, but only after the European elections on June 9.
Thus, Emmanuel Macron's trip aims to strengthen stabilization efforts and show the French government's commitment to resolving this complex crisis.
