French security forces would remain in New Caledonia as long as necessary, French President Emmanuel Macron said hours after arriving in the French Pacific territory in an emergency bid to quell tensions after more than a week of unrest that has left six people dead.
Macron is holding a day of talks aimed at quelling deadly riots sparked by anger among the Kanak people over constitutional changes backed by the Paris government that would give voting rights to tens of thousands of non-indigenous residents, changes local leaders fear will dilute the Kanak vote and undermine years of efforts to secure independence.
Macron said the state of emergency imposed on the Pacific islands should not be prolonged and that restoring calm was the top priority.
“I hope that peace, tranquility and security will return to the people as soon as possible,” the president told reporters briefly after arriving at La Tontouta International Airport, about 50 kilometers (31 miles) from New Caledonia’s capital, Noumea.
However, Mr Macron’s visit provoked mixed reactions among local politicians.
“It’s staged. This format is not correct,” said Rok Wamitan, independent leader of the Caledonian Union and president of the New Caledonian Congress.
“The question we are asking is, ‘Will the constitutional amendment be withdrawn to pave the way for a thorough discussion?'” Wamithan said.
“The firemen who lit the fire are here!” Jimmy Nauna of New Caledonia’s Kanak Socialist National Liberation Front wrote to X in response to news of Macron’s visit.
Mike, an activist stationed at the barricade, said: [Macron] Must come. Because Congress is starting to turn against him. That’s why he’s coming. This reform should be removed. That law needs to be repealed. If we want peace here in Kanakee, we have to get rid of it. ”
Sonia Baquez, the governor of New Caledonia’s southern state and a prominent pro-French figure, said Macron’s visit was “first about public order and justice, and secondly about the president’s desire to find a political solution.” It’s a sign of strong will.”
Virginie Rufenac, a local politician and leader of the anti-independence movement, said the state “has an important role to play and there is much support it can offer in this catastrophic situation.”
A large portion of the population, across all political lines, is growing increasingly dissatisfied with their leaders.
“We’re here because of politicians, whether they’re pro-independence or not,” says the 40-year-old Caledonian. “They’re treating us like pawns. They say we need to go back to the negotiating table, but where is that table?”
The Pacific region of 270,000 people has been in turmoil since May 13, the worst outbreak of violence in 40 years.
In just one week, mob arson has destroyed nearly 400 public buildings, businesses, stores and homes, according to prosecutor Yves Dupas.
Roads have been heavily damaged, making access and travel difficult in some parts of New Caledonia. The main road connecting Noumea to Tontouta International Airport remains damaged, blocked and inaccessible. Many secondary roads remain unsafe, especially those leading to the main hospital.
Damaged roads have hindered the supply of food, fuel and other goods to residents. Residents are having to wait hours to buy essentials and goods are being rationed. Bank closures and the destruction of many ATMs have made it difficult to obtain cash, which is widely used in the archipelago.
Residents who spoke to the Guardian declined to be named for fear of being targeted.
“Young people are causing trouble all night long, gunshots are ringing all night long. It doesn’t stop. We’ve been staying in our homes since Tuesday. It’s a lawless area,” he said. said a resident of Logikup, an area where
Another LogiCoop resident said she felt safe, but was concerned that the police presence would cause unrest in the neighborhood.
“We were a little scared for the first two days when they started burning everything around us. Currently we feel relatively safe in the area. Things are going well between the different communities. “There is a lot of mutual aid going on. I haven’t seen a single police officer since the beginning, so I’m worried that things will get worse when they arrive.” the resident said.
Reuters contributed to this report.
