President Macron Vows French Police Will Stay in New Caledonia “As Long As Necessary”
President Emmanuel Macron has made a bold promise to the people of New Caledonia, stating that French police forces will remain in the riot-plagued territory for “as long as necessary.” This declaration comes as the French Pacific territory grapples with ongoing unrest sparked by a controversial electoral reform proposal.
The situation in New Caledonia has escalated in recent weeks, with six people, including two police officers, losing their lives and hundreds more sustaining injuries in the violent riots. The proposed electoral reform, which has been the catalyst for the unrest, has raised concerns among indigenous Kanaks who fear that their political influence will be diluted if more French residents are allowed to vote in local elections.
Tensions between the central government in Paris and New Caledonia’s pro-independence Kanaks have long been simmering, with the archipelago’s indigenous population accounting for about 40% of its inhabitants. The French territory, situated between Australia and Fiji, has been under French control since the 19th Century, and the recent riots mark the worst unrest the region has experienced since the 1980s.
President Macron’s visit to New Caledonia underscores the gravity of the situation, with the French leader emphasizing that restoring peace, calm, and security is the “absolute priority.” During his visit, Macron paid tribute to the victims of the riots and engaged in discussions with local political and business leaders, including separatist representatives who expressed hope for renewed dialogue with France.
As the region grapples with the aftermath of the violence, Macron hinted that the state of emergency currently in place could be lifted in the coming days. However, he acknowledged the delicate nature of the political discussions ahead, recognizing the challenges of addressing the future of New Caledonia.
With the territory’s population of approximately 300,000 people, including 112,000 indigenous Kanaks, the issue of political autonomy and voting rights remains a contentious issue. The 1998 Nouméa Accord aimed to grant New Caledonia more autonomy and restrict voting in elections to long-term residents, but recent proposals to extend voting rights to French nationals have reignited tensions.
Despite the complexities of the situation, Macron’s commitment to maintaining a strong police presence in New Caledonia underscores the French government’s determination to restore stability and address the underlying issues fueling the unrest in the region. As the world watches, the future of New Caledonia hangs in the balance, with the hope for peace and reconciliation guiding the way forward.
