image source, Getty Images
- author, Simon Atkinson
- role, BBC News, Brisbane
-
An Australian military transport plane took off from New Caledonia, picking up travellers stranded after riots closed the island’s international airport.
This is the first of two Australian aircraft to arrive to evacuate 300 nationals who have registered their assistance in the French Pacific region.
A New Zealand Air Force plane also arrived, part of a series of flights to bring about 50 people home, according to Flightradar24.
The unrest began last week after Paris lawmakers passed an amendment that would allow more French residents to vote in local elections. Indigenous leaders say the move weakens their political influence.
Four civilians, including at least three indigenous Kanak residents, were killed in the riot, along with two police officers.
Dozens more people have been injured and more than 200 arrested.
Both Australia and New Zealand said consular staff would compile passenger lists and prioritize passengers with the most “pressing needs”.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said tourists from other countries would also be supported.
The French High Commission in New Caledonia announced on Tuesday that the airport remained closed to commercial flights and that the military would be deployed to protect public buildings.
In addition to witnessing fires and looting, holidaymakers who have been stranded for more than a week have also reported food shortages.
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said: “The situation in New Caledonia remains fluid and New Zealand authorities continue to work with their French counterparts and other partners, particularly Australia, to determine what is needed to ensure the safety of its people.” I understand that,” he said.
Approximately 290 New Zealanders are believed to be living in New Caledonia.
Australian tourist Maxwell Winchester told AFP he was “thrilled” at the prospect of returning home with his wife, Tiffany, after being trapped in a resort near Nouméa for more than a week.
He said: “We know we probably won’t be able to get on these flights because people with higher needs might be on these flights, but we’re at least hopeful that there will be a solution in the next few days.” I understand,” he said.
The French High Commission in New Caledonia said French military police had “neutralized” 76 barricades in an effort to regain control of the 60 km (37 miles) road between Nouméa and La Tontouta international airport. announced that they are currently removing debris from burned-out vehicles and other debris.
AFP reporters said the barricades had been rebuilt by pro-independence Kanak activists.
A masked 25-year-old, who gave his name only as Stanley, said the proposed voting reforms “mean the exclusion of Kanak people.”
“That’s what people over there don’t understand. We are already a minority in the country,” he told AFP.
Another masked man, 34, named Simon, said he was forcing drivers to pass through barricades.
“It’s calm. The regulars already know us at the barricades,” he said.
The Australian government’s travel advisory warns people not to attempt to get to the airport on their own, as the route is “not yet considered safe”.
The airport remains closed to commercial flights and a decision on when to reopen will be reassessed on Thursday, the local government said.
It is estimated that around 3,200 people are waiting to leave or enter New Caledonia.
The French High Commission in New Caledonia announced on Tuesday that France was sending 1,050 additional police to strengthen security in the territory, with another 600 reinforcements expected to arrive “in the coming hours.”
It added that the military was deployed to protect public buildings.
Earlier this week, French President Emmanuel Macron warned that troops would need to remain deployed in New Caledonia “for some time”.
Biro Shruet, a member of a Kanak community group that provides social assistance, told Reuters it felt like the turmoil of the 1980s was back again.
“We are really scared of the police, the French army, and we are also scared of anti-Kanak paramilitary terror groups.
“The French government doesn’t know how to control the people here. They’re sending over 2,000 troops to control it, but it’s a failure.”
New Caledonia has been a French territory since the mid-1800s.
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