France's President Meets with New Caledonia Leaders Amid Unrest and Deadly Riots

Paris, May 24, 2024 - President Macron of France held a series of meetings with local representatives in New Caledonia, a Pacific territory, to address the recent unrest that has led to deadly rioting. The President, who arrived after a lengthy flight, emphasized his commitment to restoring peace and security in the region.

New Caledonia, under French rule since the 1800s, has been at the center of the deadliest unrest in four decades. The violence was sparked by a proposed French voting reform plan that sparked outrage among the indigenous Kanak population. The reform aimed to extend voting rights to non-indigenous long-term residents, a move strongly opposed by the Kanaks who viewed it as a dilution of their influence. The unrest has escalated to a level of organized violence and insurrection that has taken authorities by surprise.

State of Emergency

Nightly riots have resulted in multiple casualties and widespread destruction of property. In response, French authorities have imposed a state of emergency, placed separatist leaders under house arrest, and deployed around 3,000 troops, police, and other security reinforcements to restore order.

The indigenous Kanaks have historically resisted French colonization, and despite several referenda seeking independence, the majority of voters, not being Kanak, has influenced the outcomes. This has led to deep-seated grievances and ongoing tensions in the region.

Importance of New Caledonia

New Caledonia, located in the South Pacific Ocean, holds strategic significance and is a major nickel producer, with significant global reserves. Its geopolitical importance has drawn the attention of various global powers, including China, the United States, New Zealand, Japan, and France.