First French tourists evacuated from New Caledonia. The first evacuation flights for French tourists stranded in New Caledonia due to riots in the Pacific territory have commenced, as confirmed by the high commission in the archipelago.The unrest in New Caledonia has led to the closure of the international airport in the capital Noumea for over a week, resulting in the cancellation of all commercial flights. In response, measures have been implemented to facilitate the safe return of foreigners and French tourists.
Departing from Magenta airfield in Noumea on military aircraft bound for Australia and New Zealand, the tourists are set to continue their journey home via commercial flights to mainland France.Audrey, one of the stranded tourists, shared her experience, expressing her relief at the prospect of returning home after being caught up in the conflict while visiting a friend.
First French tourists evacuated from New Caledonia
Earlier in the week, Australia and New Zealand had already initiated repatriation efforts for their nationals affected by the unrest.The situation in New Caledonia has seen some improvement since the eruption of riots on May 13 over proposed voting reforms, which have claimed seven lives, including the latest casualty on Friday.
President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to the archipelago on Thursday aimed to address the political crisis. During his brief trip, Macron assured that the proposed voting reforms would not be imposed and emphasized the importance of restoring order and calm.
The Indigenous Kanaks, opposed to the reforms, fear dilution of their influence with the extension of voting rights to newcomers. Macron stressed the need to prevent violence and called for a peaceful resolution to the tensions.Following discussions with Macron, the pro-independence FLNKS party reiterated its demand for the withdrawal of the voting reforms, stating it as a prerequisite for resolving the crisis.
French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal acknowledged the fragility of the situation in New Caledonia, emphasizing the enforcement of a state of emergency and the deployment of additional police and military personnel to restore stability.
New Caledonia’s history of being governed from Paris has fueled sentiments of resentment among many Indigenous Kanaks, who aspire for greater autonomy or independence over their islands. The ongoing unrest underscores the complex dynamics surrounding the issue of governance and autonomy in the region.