(AFP) — French forces encountered about 60 roadblocks while attempting to secure a route from New Caledonia’s capital to the airport amidst ongoing conflict, according to a top government official on Sunday.
Following six nights of violence resulting in six deaths and hundreds of injuries, security forces will initiate “harassment” raids to regain control of other areas in the Pacific territory, stated Louis Le Franc, the French government representative in New Caledonia, in a televised address.
“Republican order will be re-established whatever the cost,” warned Le Franc, the central government’s high commissioner, addressing radicals responsible for the unrest.
The Pacific archipelago of 270,000 people has been gripped by turmoil since Monday, triggered by French proposals to implement new voting rules that extend voting rights to tens of thousands of non-indigenous residents.
The territory has a history of ethnic tensions and opposition to French rule by Kanak groups.
TOPSHOT – A security official observes from an armoured vehicle in Noumea, New Caledonia, France’s Pacific territory, on May 18, 2024. Hundreds of French security personnel attempted to restore order after five nights of riots, looting, and unrest. (Photo by Delphine Mayeur / AFP) (Photo by DELPHINE MAYEUR/AFP via Getty Images)
Authorities reported that 600 heavily armed police participated in an operation on Sunday to reclaim the 60-kilometre (40-mile) main road from Noumea to the airport, which has been closed to commercial flights since the disturbances began.
The local government estimates around 3,200 people are either stranded in New Caledonia or unable to return from abroad due to flight cancellations.
Sixth Death Recorded During Anti-Colonial Uprising in French Territory of New Caledoniahttps://t.co/SEeNlnEZy7
— Truth Voices London (@Truth VoicesLondon) May 18, 2024
Australia and New Zealand have been urging France for clearance to launch evacuation flights for their citizens.
Le Franc mentioned that about 60 roadblocks set up by pro-independence groups had been “broken through” without incidents of violence.
However, he noted that the road remained cluttered with wrecked cars, burned wood, and metal, and only 15 roadblocks had been completely cleared. The road was also damaged in several locations.
A police officer engages with a man as others queue to enter a supermarket in the Magenta district of Noumea, New Caledonia, France’s Pacific territory, on May 18, 2024. Anger over France’s new voting rules plan has led to the deadliest violence in four decades in the archipelago of 270,000 people, located between Australia and Fiji, 17,000 kilometres (10,600 miles) from Paris. (Photo by Theo Rouby / AFP) (Photo by THEO ROUBY/AFP via Getty Images)
AFP journalists on the scene witnessed some roadblocks re-established by separatists, although they managed to reach the airport eventually.
Le Franc announced that police units would begin “harassment operations” shortly to reclaim “hardcore” areas in Noumea and the towns of Dumbea and Paita.
“It will intensify in the coming days” in regions held by independence activists, Le Franc remarked. “If they choose to use their arms, they will be risking the worst.”
“I urge the rioters: stop, return to calm, surrender your arms,” added Le Franc, describing the crisis as “unprecedented” and “grave.”
