Australian and New Zealand Governments to Evacuate Citizens from Violence-Stricken New Caledonia

The Australian Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, confirmed on Tuesday that clearance had been granted by French authorities for two flights to evacuate citizens and tourists from New Caledonia. She stated, "We continue to work on further flights." The Department of Foreign Affairs reported that 300 Australians were present in New Caledonia at the time of the announcement.

New Zealand's Effort

New Zealand also declared its decision to send a plane to evacuate 50 of its nationals from Noumea, the capital of New Caledonia, as the first step in a series of proposed flights to repatriate its citizens. Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters said, "New Zealanders in New Caledonia have faced a challenging few days, and bringing them home has been an urgent priority for the government." "In cooperation with France and Australia, we are working on subsequent flights in the coming days," Peters added.

At least six people have died, and hundreds have been injured in New Caledonia due to violence that broke out following controversial electoral reforms passed in Paris. France has deployed over a thousand security personnel, with more expected to arrive, to restore order and quell the unrest.

Background of the Unrest

The violence erupted as the French legislature in Paris debated amending the French constitution to make changes to New Caledonia's voter lists. The National Assembly in Paris approved a bill that would, among other changes, allow residents who have lived in New Caledonia for 10 years to cast ballots in provincial elections. The ongoing tension is rooted in the desire for independence by the indigenous Kanaks and the determination of the descendants of colonizers to remain part of France.

Opponents fear the amended bill will favor pro-France politicians and further marginalize the Kanaks who have faced historical segregation and discrimination.