By More than 600 heavily armed French troops have been deployed to New Caledonia in a bid to regain control of a major route after a period of severe unrest.
Route Territoriale 1, the critical road linking the capital, Noumea, to the main international airport has been at the centre of violent unrest. The blockade has resulted in cancelled flights, stranding travellers and disrupting trade.
French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin announced that “a major operation of more than 600 gendarmes” is being launched “aimed at completely regaining control of the 60-kilometre main road” and allowing the airport to reopen.
Noumea’s Mayor Sonia Lagarde acknowledged that while the 6pm to 6am curfew has somewhat reduced overnight violence, “we are far from a return to normal.
“The situation is not improving – quite the contrary – despite all the appeals for calm,” she said, describing Noumea as “under siege.” She added: “The damage is incredible … It’s a spectacle of desolation.”
For almost a week, the usually tranquil coastal city has been besieged by violence.
On Saturday, a sixth person was killed during a firefight at one of the many makeshift barricades. French media reported that two others were seriously injured in the clash. The violence has also resulted in the deaths of two gendarmes and three Indigenous Kanaks.
The unrest has been attributed to economic difficulties, social tensions, and a political struggle between predominantly Indigenous pro-independence activists and the French government.
The conflict flared up in response to Paris’s plans to introduce new voting regulations that could enfranchise tens of thousands of non-Indigenous residents.
Pro-independence groups argue this would dilute the voting power of Indigenous Kanaks, who make up about 40 percent of the population.
Despite a state of emergency and increased security measures, residents report that the violence continues to make it dangerous to venture outside.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said that Canberra is “working with authorities in France and New Caledonia, and like-minded partners including New Zealand, to assess options for Australians to safely depart”.
Aircalin plans to resume flights on Tuesday when Tontouta airport is expected to reopen, while Air Caledonie has no flights currently scheduled, according to the airlines.
The New Caledonia government announced on Friday that the island has a two-month supply of food, but distribution remains an issue. French officials indicated that operations to deliver food and medicine will begin, involving teams equipped to clear mines and remove barricades set by activists.
