84 Australians Safely Evacuated from New Caledonia on Military Aircraft
The Australian government is coordinating additional flights to evacuate the remaining 200 citizens stuck in the French territory.
Arriving in Brisbane on the night of May 21, the first flights carrying Australians back home from New Caledonia following a week of deadly rioting were successful.
French President Emmanuel Macron’s surprise visit to deal with the unrest, which led to six deaths and extensive damage to buildings and properties, is ongoing.
Two Royal Australian Air Force planes evacuated a total of 108 individuals – 84 Australians and 24 other nationals – from New Caledonia.
Pacific Minister Pat Conroy provided an update on the rescue operation on May 22, emphasizing the priority given to the elderly, pregnant, and vulnerable individuals for evacuation.
He also mentioned ongoing collaboration with the French government to ensure the safe evacuation of all Australians who wish to leave.
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The minister confirmed that military planes also facilitated the evacuation of individuals from other nationalities based on reciprocal agreements with countries like Canada and Japan.
Currently, there are still 200 Australians awaiting rescue in New Caledonia.
In the event that planned flights from Noumea to Brisbane on May 22 do not materialize, the Australian government has contingency plans in place, as stated by Mr. Conroy.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong affirmed that collaboration with other countries would continue to secure additional evacuation flights.
Prior to this, Minister Wong had engaged with her French counterpart on May 20 to request entry into the territory, which resulted in clearance for two flights on May 21.
Australian citizens have been advised against traveling to New Caledonia and those stranded in the territory have been urged to restrict their movements.
Pro-independence supporters led by socialists expressed concerns over proposed voting changes by the French National Assembly, fearing a potential dilution of the local indigenous Kanak vote by granting voting rights to long-term French residents in the territory.
The rioters caused substantial damage, including setting buildings on fire, looting shops, destroying vehicles, and blocking roads.
The violence spread beyond pro-independence protesters and French police to involve pro-French residents, resulting in clashes between various groups.
1,000 security personnel have been deployed by the French government to stabilize the situation in the territory, with additional reinforcements planned.
As of now, 270 rioters have been apprehended, and a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. has been put in place in the territory.
French President to Visits New Caledonia
On May 21, a French government spokesperson announced Mr. Macron’s decision to travel to New Caledonia to address the situation.
The president is set to arrive on May 23 and stay in the territory for a day, aiming to restore order for renewed dialogue in New Caledonia.
French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal indicated that Mr. Macron would engage with local leaders to pursue a comprehensive political agreement, accompanied by three ministers on the journey.
