An Australian military transport plane has left New Caledonia, carrying travelers stranded after unrest forced the closure of the island’s international airport. This is the first of two Australian aircraft sent to assist 300 citizens who requested help in the French Pacific territory.
Additionally, a New Zealand Air Force plane has arrived, according to Flightradar24, as part of a series of flights intended to repatriate around 50 people, according to the New Zealand government.
The unrest began last week after Paris lawmakers passed changes allowing more French residents to vote in local elections, which indigenous leaders argue will weaken the political influence of native people. The riots have resulted in the deaths of four civilians, including at least three indigenous Kanak residents, and two police officers, with dozens injured and over 200 arrests made.
Both Australia and New Zealand are prioritizing the evacuation of those with the most urgent needs, with consular staff organizing passenger lists. France’s High Commission in New Caledonia announced that the airport remains closed for commercial flights and that the military will be deployed to protect public buildings. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that tourists from other countries will also be assisted.
Tourists have reported food shortages and witnessing fires and looting during the more than week-long unrest. New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters emphasized that New Zealand officials are coordinating with French counterparts and partners like Australia to ensure the safety of their citizens, with approximately 290 New Zealanders believed to be in New Caledonia.
Australian tourist Maxwell Winchester expressed relief at the prospect of returning home after being confined to a resort near Nouméa for over a week. Despite uncertainty about securing a spot on the flights, he felt reassured knowing a way out was imminent.
French gendarmes have reportedly “neutralized” 76 roadblocks on the 60km (37-mile) road between Nouméa and La Tontouta International Airport, clearing debris including burnt-out vehicles. However, AFP journalists noted that roadblocks were being rebuilt by pro-independence Kanak activists.
Stanley, a 25-year-old masked protester, said the voting reform felt like “the elimination of the Kanak people,” highlighting their minority status. Another masked man, Simon, stated they were allowing drivers through the roadblock calmly.
The Australian government has advised against attempting to reach the airport independently, citing safety concerns. The local government will reassess the reopening of the airport on Thursday, estimating around 3,200 people are waiting to leave or enter New Caledonia.
France has sent 1,050 extra police to bolster security, with an additional 600 reinforcements expected soon. French President Emmanuel Macron indicated that the military would remain deployed in New Caledonia “for some time.”
Viro Xulue, from a Kanak community group, likened the current situation to the unrest of the 1980s, expressing fear of both the police and anti-Kanak militia groups. He criticized the French government’s handling of the situation, stating that sending over 2,000 military personnel to control the unrest had failed.
New Caledonia has been a French territory since the mid-1800s.
