103 More Australians Safely Evacuated from New Caledonia
103 Australians who were stranded in New Caledonia following deadly riots have been repatriated, bringing the total number of people who have been able to return home from the French territory to more than half.
A French plane arrived in Brisbane on the night of May 22 carrying 103 Australian citizens and their family members. This came after 84 Australians and 24 other nationals were repatriated to Brisbane on May 21.
According to Foreign Minister Penny Wong, a total of 187 Australians and their family members have now been brought back from New Caledonia. Approximately 500 Australians are currently in New Caledonia, with about 300 of them expressing their desire to return home through the Department of Foreign Affairs, as stated by Pacific Minister Pat Conroy in an interview with ABC TV on May 22.
Mr. Conroy also mentioned that Australia will continue to collaborate with the French government on arranging additional flights for repatriation.
Fadi Chemali, who was on the first plane to reach Australia, shared that those on board the initial flights were overwhelmed with relief after struggling to leave the island for days.
Mr. Chemali, along with his wife and daughter, had been vacationing in New Caledonia when the riots began. They spent eight days trying to find a way back home.
He mentioned, “I didn’t witness the violence directly, but we heard a lot including gunshots. It has been quite intense.”
Since the outbreak of violence on May 13, at least six people have lost their lives and hundreds have been injured in New Caledonia.
Efforts are being made by French troops to prevent further unrest as the situation includes buildings being destroyed, shops being looted, and roads being blocked.
Australia’s Consul-General in New Caledonia, Annelise Young, stated on X that her team has been working tirelessly with officials in Canberra and Paris, as well as closely collaborating with French authorities to ensure the safe return of Australian tourists.
Protests have arisen due to new rules that alter the eligibility of voters in the nation’s elections, causing concerns from the indigenous Kanaks who feel their vote may be diluted by the influx of French nationals moving to the island.
Approximately 270 rioters have been apprehended, and a 12-hour curfew has been imposed from 6pm to 6am.
France has sent over 1000 security personnel with plans to deploy hundreds more to help pacify the unrest.
The reopening of the international airport for commercial flights is scheduled for reassessment on May 23.
Australia has advised individuals to reconsider travel to New Caledonia and recommended limiting movement for those already there.
