French President Emmanuel Macron will visit the riot-hit New Caledonia, said Paris on Tuesday (May 21) as Australia and New Zealand began evacuating nationals in the French territory which has experienced a week of deadly riots.&nbsp;

<h2>‘As soon as this evening’</h2>

Macron “will leave as soon as this evening,” said government spokeswoman Prisca Thevenot, in a bid to soothe tempers amid the riots which broke out against the planned electoral changes by the French government in Paris, which the Indigenous Kanaks have opposed.

WATCH |&nbsp;French President to visit New Caledonia

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The French government also announced that it would send hundreds more security personnel to join the 1,500 law enforcement personnel&nbsp;already on the ground amid the worst unrest that New Caledonia has seen in over three decades.&nbsp;

The High Commission of New Caledonia, which represents the French state in the territory, said that around 600 personnel would be deployed in the coming hours to join those already sent from France.

The violence broke out earlier this month over the French government’s plans to amend voting laws which would allow more recent arrivals to vote in provincial elections. Local leaders fear the change will dilute the Kanak vote, as per Reuters.&nbsp;

At least six people have been killed since the unrest began in the capital, Noumea. Three of the six people killed were young Kanaks shot by armed civilians.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-caledonia-unrest-australia-new-zealand-send-evacuation-flights-macron-holds-overnight-security-meet-723690">New Caledonia unrest: Australia, New Zealand send evacuation flights, Macron holds security meet</a>

There have been several confrontations between Kanak protesters and armed self-defence groups or civilian militias formed to protect themselves.&nbsp;

<h2>First evacuation flight arrives in Australia&nbsp;</h2>

A plane full of Australian tourists who had been stranded in New Caledonia amid a week of rioting and looting arrived in Brisbane late Tuesday, reported AFP.&nbsp;

The Royal Australian Air Force C130 Hercules was the first evacuation flight to leave French territory since the unrest began on May 13.&nbsp;

The high commission, on Tuesday, said that the airport remains closed for commercial flights, and it will deploy the military to protect public buildings.

Around 3,200 people are waiting to leave or enter New Caledonia as commercial flights were cancelled, reported Reuters citing the local government. This comes as the main international airport in the capital remains closed for commercial aircraft.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protestors-block-new-caledonia-roads-as-french-police-pour-in-723364">Protestors block New Caledonia roads as French police pour in</a>

“Passengers are being prioritised based on need. We continue to work on further flights,” Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a post on social media announcing the two flights.&nbsp;

According to officials in Australia, around 300 citizens have registered for possible evacuation, but it was not immediately clear how many were evacuated on Tuesday’s flights.&nbsp;

The New Zealand Defence Force plane was expected to carry about “50 passengers with the most pressing needs,” said Foreign Minister Winston Peters, adding that they are working with France and Australia on “subsequent flights in coming days.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

French President Emmanuel Macron will visit the riot-hit New Caledonia, said Paris on Tuesday (May 21) as Australia and New Zealand began evacuating nationals in the French territory which has experienced a week of deadly riots.

French President Emmanuel Macron will visit the riot-hit New Caledonia, said Paris on Tuesday (May 21) as Australia and New Zealand began evacuating nationals in the French territory which has experienced a week of deadly riots. ‘As soon as this evening’ Macron “will leave as soon as this evening,” said government spokeswoman Prisca Thevenot, in a bid to soothe tempers amid the riots which broke out against the planned electoral changes by the French government in Paris, which the Indigenous Kanaks have opposed. WATCH | French President to visit New Caledonia The French government also announced that it would send hundreds more security personnel to join the 1,500 law enforcement personnel already on the ground amid the worst unrest that New Caledonia has seen in over three decades. The High Commission of New Caledonia, which represents the French state in the territory, said that around 600 personnel would be deployed in the coming hours to join those already sent from France. The violence broke out earlier this month over the French government’s plans to amend voting laws which would allow more recent arrivals to vote in provincial elections. Local leaders fear the change will dilute the Kanak vote, as per Reuters. At least six people have been killed since the unrest began in the capital, Noumea. Three of the six people killed were young Kanaks shot by armed civilians. Also Read | New Caledonia unrest: Australia, New Zealand send evacuation flights, Macron holds security meet There have been several confrontations between Kanak protesters and armed self-defence groups or civilian militias formed to protect themselves. First evacuation flight arrives in Australia A plane full of Australian tourists who had been stranded in New Caledonia amid a week of rioting and looting arrived in Brisbane late Tuesday, reported AFP. The Royal Australian Air Force C130 Hercules was the first evacuation flight to leave French territory since the unrest began on May 13. The high commission, on Tuesday, said that the airport remains closed for commercial flights, and it will deploy the military to protect public buildings. Around 3,200 people are waiting to leave or enter New Caledonia as commercial flights were cancelled, reported Reuters citing the local government. This comes as the main international airport in the capital remains closed for commercial aircraft. Also Read | Protestors block New Caledonia roads as French police pour in “Passengers are being prioritised based on need. We continue to work on further flights,” Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a post on social media announcing the two flights. According to officials in Australia, around 300 citizens have registered for possible evacuation, but it was not immediately clear how many were evacuated on Tuesday’s flights. The New Zealand Defence Force plane was expected to carry about “50 passengers with the most pressing needs,” said Foreign Minister Winston Peters, adding that they are working with France and Australia on “subsequent flights in coming days.” (With inputs from agencies)

French President Macron to visit riot-hit New Caledonia as Australia, New Zealand begin evacuations

A thousand police arrived in New Caledonia from France and streets were relatively calm, the French High Commission said on Monday, but roads were blocked and the airport remained shut, stranding tourists on the Pacific island after a week of riots.

The activist group organising the protests in the French-ruled territory, Field Action Co-ordination Cell (CCAT), said in a statement on Monday blockades would continue, urging protestors to use a peaceful approach.

Road blocks were making it difficult to supply food to stores in several areas and provide secure travel for medical staff, New Caledonia government officials said.

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"It's important to point out that the problem is not so much a lack of staff, medical and food supplies but more importantly an access problem," a government statement said.

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said "the situation there is deeply concerning", after night when there was fire and looting.

France's top official in the territory, Louis Le Franc, said on Sunday evening a police operation to regain control of the road from the capital Noumea to the international airport would take several days. Gendarmes had dismantled 76 road blocks.

Albanese told ABC radio that Australia had been seeking approval from French authorities for two days to send an evacuation flight to New Caledonia to pick up tourists stranded in hotels.

Around 300 Australians have registered with consular officials in the French territory, which lies in the southwest Pacific, some 1,500 km (930 miles) east of Australia.

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"The international airport remains closed, roads have been damaged, there are blockades in place," Albanese said.

"We continue to pursue approvals because the Australian Defence Force is ready to fly when it's permitted to do so," he added.

There are around 3,200 people stuck waiting to leave or enter New Caledonia as commercial flights have been cancelled due to the unrest that broke out last week, the local government said.

New Zealand defence aircraft were also on standby to bring New Zealand nationals home, New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters said.

"We are ready to fly, and await approval from French authorities as to when our flights are safe to proceed," he wrote on social media platform X on Sunday.

Protests erupted last week sparked by anger among indigenous Kanak people over a constitutional amendment approved in France that will change who is allowed to participate in elections, which local leaders fear will dilute the Kanak vote.

Six people have been killed and the unrest has left a trail of burnt businesses, torched cars, looted shops, and road barricades, cutting off access to medicine and food.

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Three of those killed were indigenous Kanak youths and two were police officers. A sixth person was killed on Saturday during a gun battle between two groups at a roadblock, French police said.

The business chamber said 150 companies had been looted and burnt.

Pro-independence political parties said they want the French government to withdraw the electoral reform before they restart talks.

A thousand police arrived in New Caledonia from France and streets were relatively calm, the French High Commission said on Monday, but roads were blocked and the airport remained shut, stranding tourists on the Pacific island after a week of riots.

A thousand police arrived in New Caledonia from France and streets were relatively calm, the French High Commission said on Monday, but roads were blocked and the airport remained shut, stranding tourists on the Pacific island after a week of riots. The activist group organising the protests in the French-ruled territory, Field Action Co-ordination Cell (CCAT), said in a statement on Monday blockades would continue, urging protestors to use a peaceful approach. Road blocks were making it difficult to supply food to stores in several areas and provide secure travel for medical staff, New Caledonia government officials said. Also read: Iran President Ebrahim Raisi dies in chopper crash "It's important to point out that the problem is not so much a lack of staff, medical and food supplies but more importantly an access problem," a government statement said. Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said "the situation there is deeply concerning", after night when there was fire and looting. France's top official in the territory, Louis Le Franc, said on Sunday evening a police operation to regain control of the road from the capital Noumea to the international airport would take several days. Gendarmes had dismantled 76 road blocks. Albanese told ABC radio that Australia had been seeking approval from French authorities for two days to send an evacuation flight to New Caledonia to pick up tourists stranded in hotels. Around 300 Australians have registered with consular officials in the French territory, which lies in the southwest Pacific, some 1,500 km (930 miles) east of Australia. Also read: Lai Ching-te sworn in as Taiwan's new president, promises 'defence awareness' "The international airport remains closed, roads have been damaged, there are blockades in place," Albanese said. "We continue to pursue approvals because the Australian Defence Force is ready to fly when it's permitted to do so," he added. There are around 3,200 people stuck waiting to leave or enter New Caledonia as commercial flights have been cancelled due to the unrest that broke out last week, the local government said. New Zealand defence aircraft were also on standby to bring New Zealand nationals home, New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters said. "We are ready to fly, and await approval from French authorities as to when our flights are safe to proceed," he wrote on social media platform X on Sunday. Protests erupted last week sparked by anger among indigenous Kanak people over a constitutional amendment approved in France that will change who is allowed to participate in elections, which local leaders fear will dilute the Kanak vote. Six people have been killed and the unrest has left a trail of burnt businesses, torched cars, looted shops, and road barricades, cutting off access to medicine and food. Also read: US NSA appeals Netanyahu to link Gaza war with 'political strategy' Three of those killed were indigenous Kanak youths and two were police officers. A sixth person was killed on Saturday during a gun battle between two groups at a roadblock, French police said. The business chamber said 150 companies had been looted and burnt. Pro-independence political parties said they want the French government to withdraw the electoral reform before they restart talks.

Protestors block New Caledonia roads as French police pour in

Separatists in riot-hit New Caledonia refused Monday to abandon road blocks that have paralysed the Pacific archipelago for a week in defiance of a major security operation by French forces.

France has sent 1,000 security forces to its overseas territory that has been rocked by seven nights of violence that have left six dead, including two gendarmes, and hundreds injured.

President Emmanuel Macron prepared to chair a new meeting of his defence and security council on Monday.

The latest unrest in the Pacific territory of 270,000 people erupted over French plans to impose new rules that would give tens of thousands of non-indigenous residents voting rights.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protestors-block-new-caledonia-roads-as-french-police-pour-in-723364">Protestors block New Caledonia roads as French police pour in</a>

Some 600 heavily armed French police and paramilitaries "neutralised" 76 road blocks on the 60-kilometre (40-mile) route between the capital Noumea and La Tontouta International Airport, officials said.

But pro-independence, largely indigenous Kanak activists, vowed they would not give up. AFP journalists said some road blocks taken down by security forces were being rebuilt even bigger by pro-independence forces.

A pickup truck drove through one Noumea suburb with about 10 masked and hooded men wielding machetes, AFP correspondents saw.

Anti-riot blast balls, often used to release tear gas or pepper spray, could be heard in one Noumea suburb. Fire reduced one construction firm's building to cinders.

"It feels like being in The Walking Dead," said local post office director Thomas de Deckker, referring to the post-apocalyptic zombie television series.

"We have no visibility of when we will have security again," he told AFP.

<h2>Airport to remain closed</h2>

Noumea airport will remain closed to commercial flights until Thursday despite requests from Australia and New Zealand to evacuate their nationals, the airport managers said.

Military aircraft carrying the remains of two gendarmes killed in New Caledonia landed in France early Monday.

Hailing Sunday's operation as a "success", the French government office in New Caledonia said forces would remove burned-out vehicles littering the key airport route for essential food and material supplies.

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas | Is France losing control over New Caledonia?

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But the Ground Action Coordination Cell, or CCAT, said it was "maintaining" barricades in place. Some CCAT leaders are under house arrest on suspicion of organising the troubles.

Roadblocks would be closed to all vehicles during night curfews except for health emergencies and firefighters, the group said in a statement.

Indigenous Kanaks had suffered from discrimination for too long, it said. The group insisted it sought a peaceful resolution but criticised the French "colonial state" plan to expand voting rights.

<h2>'The islands are on fire'</h2>

"The islands are on fire, for sure, but we have to remember that they tried to be heard for a long time and it led to nothing," said one resident, Laloua Savea.

"It had to degenerate for the state to see us, for the politicians to see us," she said.

Authorities say about 230 people have been detained while an estimated 3,200 people are stuck in New Caledonia or unable to return to the archipelago, which lies more than 1,000 kilometres (800 miles) east of Australia.

Prime Minister Gabriel Attal is considering extending the state of emergency -- under which the curfew was imposed and TikTok banned -- beyond its initial 12 days. That would require the approval of both houses in the French parliament.

On Monday, the New Caledonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) said the troubles had caused "catastrophic" economic damage. It said 150 businesses have been "looted and set on fire."

<h2>Divide over vote reform</h2>

New Caledonia has been a French territory since the mid-1800s.&nbsp;

Almost two centuries on, its politics remain dominated by debate about whether the islands should be part of France, autonomous or independent -- with opinions split roughly along ethnic lines.

Indigenous Kanaks make up about 40 per cent of the population but tend to be poorer. Kanak groups say the latest voting regulations would dilute the indigenous vote.&nbsp;

The government heads in four other French overseas territories -- La Reunion in the Indian Ocean, Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Caribbean and French Guiana in South America -- on Sunday called for the voting reform to be withdrawn.

Civil liberties groups have challenged the TikTok ban, with a hearing scheduled at France's top administrative court in Paris for Tuesday.

Separatists in riot-hit New Caledonia refused Monday to abandon road blocks that have paralysed the Pacific archipelago for a week in defiance of a major security operation by French forces.

Separatists in riot-hit New Caledonia refused Monday to abandon road blocks that have paralysed the Pacific archipelago for a week in defiance of a major security operation by French forces. France has sent 1,000 security forces to its overseas territory that has been rocked by seven nights of violence that have left six dead, including two gendarmes, and hundreds injured. President Emmanuel Macron prepared to chair a new meeting of his defence and security council on Monday. The latest unrest in the Pacific territory of 270,000 people erupted over French plans to impose new rules that would give tens of thousands of non-indigenous residents voting rights. Also read | Protestors block New Caledonia roads as French police pour in Some 600 heavily armed French police and paramilitaries "neutralised" 76 road blocks on the 60-kilometre (40-mile) route between the capital Noumea and La Tontouta International Airport, officials said. But pro-independence, largely indigenous Kanak activists, vowed they would not give up. AFP journalists said some road blocks taken down by security forces were being rebuilt even bigger by pro-independence forces. A pickup truck drove through one Noumea suburb with about 10 masked and hooded men wielding machetes, AFP correspondents saw. Anti-riot blast balls, often used to release tear gas or pepper spray, could be heard in one Noumea suburb. Fire reduced one construction firm's building to cinders. "It feels like being in The Walking Dead," said local post office director Thomas de Deckker, referring to the post-apocalyptic zombie television series. "We have no visibility of when we will have security again," he told AFP. Airport to remain closed Noumea airport will remain closed to commercial flights until Thursday despite requests from Australia and New Zealand to evacuate their nationals, the airport managers said. Military aircraft carrying the remains of two gendarmes killed in New Caledonia landed in France early Monday. Hailing Sunday's operation as a "success", the French government office in New Caledonia said forces would remove burned-out vehicles littering the key airport route for essential food and material supplies. Also watch | Gravitas | Is France losing control over New Caledonia? × But the Ground Action Coordination Cell, or CCAT, said it was "maintaining" barricades in place. Some CCAT leaders are under house arrest on suspicion of organising the troubles. Roadblocks would be closed to all vehicles during night curfews except for health emergencies and firefighters, the group said in a statement. Indigenous Kanaks had suffered from discrimination for too long, it said. The group insisted it sought a peaceful resolution but criticised the French "colonial state" plan to expand voting rights. 'The islands are on fire' "The islands are on fire, for sure, but we have to remember that they tried to be heard for a long time and it led to nothing," said one resident, Laloua Savea. "It had to degenerate for the state to see us, for the politicians to see us," she said. Authorities say about 230 people have been detained while an estimated 3,200 people are stuck in New Caledonia or unable to return to the archipelago, which lies more than 1,000 kilometres (800 miles) east of Australia. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal is considering extending the state of emergency -- under which the curfew was imposed and TikTok banned -- beyond its initial 12 days. That would require the approval of both houses in the French parliament. On Monday, the New Caledonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) said the troubles had caused "catastrophic" economic damage. It said 150 businesses have been "looted and set on fire." Divide over vote reform New Caledonia has been a French territory since the mid-1800s. Almost two centuries on, its politics remain dominated by debate about whether the islands should be part of France, autonomous or independent -- with opinions split roughly along ethnic lines. Indigenous Kanaks make up about 40 per cent of the population but tend to be poorer. Kanak groups say the latest voting regulations would dilute the indigenous vote. The government heads in four other French overseas territories -- La Reunion in the Indian Ocean, Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Caribbean and French Guiana in South America -- on Sunday called for the voting reform to be withdrawn. Civil liberties groups have challenged the TikTok ban, with a hearing scheduled at France's top administrative court in Paris for Tuesday.

New Caledonia separatists resist French efforts to unblock roads

New Caledonia's high commissioner said on Tuesday (May 14) that shots had been fired at security forces during riots in the French Pacific territory.

Many shops were looted and vehicles were also torched during the riots.

"No deaths have been reported so far," the High Commissioner of the Republic Louis Le Franc said, adding that, "shots were fired at the gendarmes using high calibre weapons and hunting rifles".

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Protests in New Caledonia over voting reforms turned violent on Monday (May 13), prompting authorities to impose a curfew and ban public gatherings.

During the unrest, car dealerships and a factory were set on fire in the capital Noumea. Several supermarkets were also looted in Noumea and the neighbouring towns of Dumbea and Mont-Dore.

"A nearby police station was on fire and a car was also torched in front of my house. There was non-stop shouting and explosions, I felt like I was in a war," said Sylvie, an eyewitness.

Around 36 people were arrested and 30 police officers were injured, according to authorities.

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"Very intense public order turbulence took place last night in Noumea and in neighbouring municipalities, and are still ongoing at this time," the high commission, the representative of the French state in New Caledonia, said in a statement Tuesday.

The authorities have closed schools and colleges until further notice and the international airport is also shut.

New Zealand said on Tuesday that Foreign Minister Winston Peters had cancelled his visit to New Caledonia due to the unrest.

The New Caledonia government has appealed for reason and calm.

<h2>Frozen voter lists</h2>

On Monday (May 13), tensions flared in New Caledonia as protests erupted against a proposed voting reform under debate in Paris.&nbsp;

The reform aims to increase the number of eligible voters in the territory's provincial elections.&nbsp;

France vowed in the Noumea Accord of 1998 to gradually give more political power to the Pacific island territory of nearly 300,000 people.

Under the agreement, New Caledonia has held three referendums over its ties with France, all rejecting independence.

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The pro-independence Indigenous Kanaks rejected the result of the last referendum held in December 2021.

Due to the Noumea Accord, New Caledonia's voter rolls haven't been updated since 1998. This excludes residents who've moved to the island from mainland France or anywhere else in the past 25 years from participating in provincial elections.

(With inputs from agencies)

New Caledonia's high commissioner said on Tuesday (May 14) that shots had been fired at security forces during riots in the French Pacific territory. Many shops were looted and vehicles were also torched during the riots.

New Caledonia's high commissioner said on Tuesday (May 14) that shots had been fired at security forces during riots in the French Pacific territory. Many shops were looted and vehicles were also torched during the riots. "No deaths have been reported so far," the High Commissioner of the Republic Louis Le Franc said, adding that, "shots were fired at the gendarmes using high calibre weapons and hunting rifles". Also read: Trump's fixer-turned-foe says he was told to 'handle' hush money payments Protests in New Caledonia over voting reforms turned violent on Monday (May 13), prompting authorities to impose a curfew and ban public gatherings. During the unrest, car dealerships and a factory were set on fire in the capital Noumea. Several supermarkets were also looted in Noumea and the neighbouring towns of Dumbea and Mont-Dore. "A nearby police station was on fire and a car was also torched in front of my house. There was non-stop shouting and explosions, I felt like I was in a war," said Sylvie, an eyewitness. Around 36 people were arrested and 30 police officers were injured, according to authorities. Also read: Collapsed Baltimore bridge blown up in controlled blast: Watch "Very intense public order turbulence took place last night in Noumea and in neighbouring municipalities, and are still ongoing at this time," the high commission, the representative of the French state in New Caledonia, said in a statement Tuesday. The authorities have closed schools and colleges until further notice and the international airport is also shut. New Zealand said on Tuesday that Foreign Minister Winston Peters had cancelled his visit to New Caledonia due to the unrest. The New Caledonia government has appealed for reason and calm. Frozen voter lists On Monday (May 13), tensions flared in New Caledonia as protests erupted against a proposed voting reform under debate in Paris. The reform aims to increase the number of eligible voters in the territory's provincial elections. France vowed in the Noumea Accord of 1998 to gradually give more political power to the Pacific island territory of nearly 300,000 people. Under the agreement, New Caledonia has held three referendums over its ties with France, all rejecting independence. Also read: Mumbai hoarding collapse: Billboard recognised in Limca Book of Records, not authorised by BMC The pro-independence Indigenous Kanaks rejected the result of the last referendum held in December 2021. Due to the Noumea Accord, New Caledonia's voter rolls haven't been updated since 1998. This excludes residents who've moved to the island from mainland France or anywhere else in the past 25 years from participating in provincial elections. (With inputs from agencies)

New Caledonia unrest turns violent, shots fired at security forces