Flights Now Offered for Evacuation of Citizens Stranded in Troubled New Caledonia
Both the Australian and New Zealand Defence Force are en route to New Caledonia to rescue individuals trapped there due to days of violent unrest.
The foreign ministers of Australia and New Zealand have announced that flights will be departing from Nouméa to evacuate citizens stuck in the Pacific territory of New Caledonia following days of rioting and violence.
The turmoil, sparked by a socialist-led independence movement, has led to the deaths of six individuals and significant damage to buildings.
Australia has stated that priority will be given to those in greatest need, and additional flights are expected to be dispatched in the coming days.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is reaching out to citizens registered with its crisis service in Canberra to notify them about the arrival of a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) plane.
While the exact number of individuals awaiting rescue has not been disclosed, New Zealand has committed to rescuing 50 individuals with the most urgent needs.
It is estimated that over 300 Australians and around 250 New Zealanders are stranded on the island, with a total of approximately 3,200 foreign nationals awaiting evacuation.
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The foreign ministers of New Zealand, France, and Australia held a joint call on the evening of May 20, following confirmation from the Pacific countries that they were awaiting approval from French authorities to deploy defense aircraft.
Afterward, France’s defense council agreed on these protocols.
The High Commission of France in New Caledonia announced that the airport will continue to be closed to commercial flights, with military assistance provided for protection.
Winston Peters, the Foreign Minister of New Zealand, stated, “New Zealanders in New Caledonia have faced challenging days, and their repatriation has been a top priority for the government. We appreciate the cooperation of relevant authorities in both Paris and Nouméa in facilitating this evacuation flight.”
He also mentioned that additional flights will be arranged as soon as possible.
Mr. Peters cautioned, “The situation in New Caledonia is fluid, and New Zealand officials are collaborating with French counterparts and other partners, particularly Australia, to assess the requirements for ensuring the safety of our citizens in the region.”
