French President Macron to Visit New Caledonia Amid Deadly Unrest
French President Emmanuel Macron is on his way to New Caledonia, a government official has confirmed. After a week of deadly unrest in the Pacific archipelago, Macron will be setting up a mission in the French territory along with key ministers including Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin, Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu, and Overseas Minister Marie Guévenoux. The violence in New Caledonia erupted due to electoral changes imposed by the national government, resulting in at least six deaths and widespread damage. The clashes reflect the deep-seated political tensions between the pro-independence indigenous Kanak communities and French residents opposed to separation from France. Macron's visit coincides with Australian and New Zealand evacuation efforts for their nationals and increased French security presence to contain the unrest. The situation is slowly improving, according to Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, as French security forces reinforce their numbers on the island. The protests, initiated by young demonstrators, were triggered by proposed constitutional changes granting voting rights to French residents on the island, a move viewed skeptically by pro-independence groups. New Caledonia, a semi-autonomous French territory, has a complex history marked by colonization in 1853, subsequent white settlement, and ongoing socio-economic challenges for the indigenous Kanak people. Macron's visit underscores the delicate balance between colonial legacies and modern aspirations in this South Pacific region.
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