New Caledonia Noumea

Chaos in New Caledonia: Riots and Roadblocks Grip the French Pacific Territory

Hundreds of Australian and New Zealand travelers stranded in New Caledonia as riots and protests escalate, French forces struggle to control the situation.

New Caledonia, an idyllic French Pacific territory, is currently in turmoil as riots and violence grip the region. The capital city of Nouméa is under siege, with the mayor reporting that the city is 'under siege' from rioting. French gendarmes have been deployed to secure the road from Nouméa to the airport amidst the chaos. The unrest has led to the evacuation flights being unable to reach hundreds of stranded Australian and New Zealand tourists in the territory.

As the state of emergency in New Caledonia evolves, Australian and New Zealand travel agents and professionals find themselves stuck in Nouméa. Amidst the escalating violence, barricades along key roads are being dismantled by French forces in an effort to restore order. Despite these efforts, deadly riots continue to rage in the region, prompting Paris to dispatch elite units to regain control of the situation.

In a consequential move, Paris recently approved a constitutional amendment in New Caledonia, leading to a surge in violence and unrest. The unrest has resulted in a death toll of six individuals, further intensifying the crisis. With around 300 Australians still stranded in New Caledonia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the government are actively working to ensure the safety and evacuation of their citizens from the troubled territory.

The situation in New Caledonia remains tense as protestors continue to block roads, forcing French police to pour into the region. Despite the arrival of a thousand police officers from France and relative calm on the streets, roadblocks are still hindering access to crucial areas within the territory.