Macron pledged support to restore calm in New Caledonia.
French President Emmanuel Macron termed the unrest in New Caledonia as an “unforeseen insurrection”, underscoring challenges during a visit to the Pacific territory. Six casualties have been reported so far in violent protests triggered by electoral reforms, worse since the 1980s.
Declaring the situation as “unprecedented,” Macron assessed difficult days ahead but vowed to persevere in soothing tensions. He paid homage to victims and held discussions with political and indigenous representatives. The move comes as thousands of French security personnel remain stationed to pre-empt further escalations, even during the Olympics.
New Caledonia’s Kanak community protested a proposal granting voting rights to long-term French residents, fearing a loss of indigenous influence. Under an autonomy arrangement, the volatile issue of future status – independence or integration – awaits resolution through future plebiscites.
While conceding the sensitive political context, Macron signaled a review of emergency orders. He emphasized restoring order for development under the France-New Caledonia ties established over centuries. It pertains to a complex balance with the region’s geopolitical importance and indigenous aspirations in focus.
