AP Photo/ Nicolas Job/ File.
SYDNEY (AP) — The governments of Australia and New Zealand announced on Tuesday that they are deploying planes to evacuate their citizens from New Caledonia due to ongoing violent unrest.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed that the Australian government had secured approval from French authorities to conduct two evacuation flights. These flights aim to remove Australian citizens and other tourists from the French Pacific territory, which has been experiencing severe violence. Indigenous residents of New Caledonia have been advocating for independence from France for many years.
"We are continuing to arrange additional flights," Wong posted on the social media platform X on Tuesday.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, there are currently 300 Australians in New Caledonia.
Similarly, New Zealand announced that it would be sending a plane on Tuesday to evacuate 50 of its nationals from Noumea, the capital of New Caledonia. This flight is the first in a series planned to repatriate New Zealand citizens.
"New Zealanders in New Caledonia have had a tough few days, and getting them home has been a top priority for the government," said New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters.
"In collaboration with France and Australia, we are arranging additional flights in the coming days."
The unrest in New Caledonia, which erupted last week following controversial electoral reforms passed in Paris, has resulted in at least six deaths and hundreds of injuries. As of Tuesday, approximately 270 rioters had been arrested, and a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. was in place.
In response to the violence, France has deployed over a thousand security personnel to New Caledonia, with additional forces expected to arrive on Tuesday to help restore order.
Tensions in New Caledonia have persisted for decades, primarily between the indigenous Kanak population, who seek independence, and the descendants of European colonizers, who prefer to remain part of France.
The recent unrest began on May 13, coinciding with the French legislature's debate on amending the French constitution to modify voter lists in New Caledonia. The National Assembly in Paris passed a bill allowing residents who have lived in New Caledonia for ten years to vote in provincial elections. Opponents of this measure argue that it will favor pro-France politicians and further marginalize the Kanak community, which has historically faced segregation and discrimination.
In summary, Australia and New Zealand are working together with France to evacuate their citizens from New Caledonia, where violent unrest has erupted due to contentious electoral reforms. The situation remains volatile, with ongoing efforts to restore peace and address the underlying tensions between the indigenous population and those who wish to remain affiliated with France.
