Paris plans airlift for New Caledonia
Due to the recent unrest in the French overseas territory of New Caledonia, supplies for its roughly 300,000 citizens are limited. Airplanes are being used to bring essential goods to the area. As a result of the rioting, France is sending a special unit to the South Pacific archipelago.
Following multiple days of significant rioting, the situation in New Caledonia has slightly improved with the announcement of a state of emergency. This news was shared by French High Commissioner Louis Le Franc. However, the international airport remains closed and food is becoming increasingly scarce. Long lines have formed outside supermarkets, as noted by the 1ère Nouvelle-Calédonie radio station. France's government has decided to implement an airlift to provide the inhabitants of this archipelago with necessary items.
The state of emergency, initially enforced by Paris for twelve days, permits authorities to forbid demonstrations, obstruct public spaces and websites, and bestow additional powers upon the police and judiciary. Despite this, according to local media accounts, there were still incidents on Friday, particularly in Nouméa's capital. Stores continued to combust and even a kindergarten was plundered and completely destroyed.
French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announced the introduction of an additional 1,000 troops to assist their colleagues on the ground. Reportedly, members of a special unit, the French National Gendarmerie Intervention Force (GIGN), have already arrived from Polynesia.
Protests lighted over expected constitutional reform
The demonstrations staged by proponents of independence for the archipelago, located 1500 kilometers east of Australia, revolve around a proposed constitutional reform by the Parisian administration. This initiative aims to grant thousands of French citizens residing there the ability to vote, thus expanding their political influence. However, the Kanak population group, who are the indigenous inhabitants of New Caledonia, have long desired their own state. The national council of the Kanaks has accused Paris of moving forward with the disputed reform while disregarding the opposition of the majority of the indigenous populace.
Five individuals have lost their lives in the riots that commenced on Monday, including two police officers. Hundreds of people have been wounded. In certain parts of Nouméa, conditions remain challenging, according to High Commissioner Le Franc. Here, hundreds of rioters are simply waiting for the opportunity to clash with the police.
Before, New Caledonia had already obtained considerable autonomy thanks to the 1998 Nouméa Agreement. Currently, Paris is attempting to negotiate a new agreement with the political stakeholders in this geopolitically and militarily significant area.
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In response to the ongoing protests against the proposed constitutional reform, France has faced riots in New Caledonia. The unrest, led by proponents of independence, has resulted in significant disruption, including the closure of the international airport and food shortages.
Despite France's efforts to address the situation, such as sending additional troops and implementing a state of emergency, the rioting and destruction of properties continue, as evidenced by incidents on Friday in Nouméa's capital.
Source: www.ntv.de
