New Caledonia

2024 - 5 - 22

Drama in Paradise: Evacuations and Unrest in New Caledonia

Australia - evacuation - France - New Caledonia - political unrest

Australia and New Zealand rush to rescue citizens stuck in the midst of violent riots in the idyllic French Pacific territory.

Australia and New Zealand have launched a heroic effort to evacuate their citizens from the turmoil unfolding in New Caledonia. With unrest escalating, military planes from both countries have been deployed to bring people back home. The first wave of evacuees included the elderly, pregnant women, and other vulnerable individuals, highlighting the priority placed on their safety. French President Macron's imminent arrival in New Caledonia signals a significant move to address the ongoing crisis and establish a mission to restore peace. Amidst the chaos, even Japanese nationals have sought refuge with Australia's support. Meanwhile, the withdrawal of New Caledonia and Vanuatu from FestPAC adds a cultural layer to the unfolding events.

As tensions simmer, the heart-wrenching decisions faced by French and Australian nationals in New Caledonia reveal the emotional toll of the unrest. Families forced to flee their homes show the human side of the crisis, leaving many in limbo and torn between safety and a sense of belonging. The ongoing support and efforts to rescue stranded individuals underscore the solidarity in the face of adversity, reflecting a global commitment to ensuring the well-being of all affected. In a surprising turn, the Pacific Islands' withdrawal from FestPAC despite efforts to accommodate them at the event showcases the intricate interplay between cultural celebrations and the harsh realities on the ground.

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

New Caledonia: Australia and New Zealand send evacuation flights ... (BBC News)

It is the first of two Australian aircraft arriving to rescue 300 citizens who have registered for assistance in the French Pacific territory. A New Zealand Air ...

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Image courtesy of "Aljazeera.com"

Macron heading to New Caledonia as France deploys more troops ... (Aljazeera.com)

Noumea's international airport remains closed; Australia and New Zealand to use military planes to evacuate tourists.

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Image courtesy of "Education – Australian Associated Press"

More flights out of New Caledonia as first Aussies home (Education – Australian Associated Press)

Two Royal Australian Air Force planes repatriated 84 Australians and 24 other nationals to Brisbane on Tuesday. “We've prioritised the elderly, the pregnant and ...

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Image courtesy of "9News"

Mercy flights from New Caledonia bring dozens of Australians home (9News)

Dozens of Australians have touched down in Brisbane on evacuation flights from New Caledonia organised aft...

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Image courtesy of "EURACTIV"

Macron in New Caledonia to set up 'mission' after protests (EURACTIV)

French President Emmanuel Macron should arrive in troubled New Caledonia on Tuesday night (21 May) to set up "a mission", a government spokesperson said, ...

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Image courtesy of "The Diplomat"

What's Behind the Deadly Riots in New Caledonia? (The Diplomat)

The violent unrest in New Caledonia is alarming. Sadly, the island territory is no stranger to violence.

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Image courtesy of "Kyodo News Plus"

4 Japanese in New Caledonia evacuate with support from Australia (Kyodo News Plus)

At least four Japanese nationals in New Caledonia have evacuated with support from Australia, a Japanese government source says, as deadly violence has ...

New Caledonia and Vanuatu withdraw from FestPAC amid deadly ... (Hawaiipublicradio)

Festival Director Aaron Salā said despite the Pacific Islands' pull out from the festival, a hale will still be built for them at the Festival Village ...

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

'We're really torn': New Caledonia turmoil forces French nationals to ... (The Guardian)

Xavier Decramer and his family made a home in Nouméa, but the eruption of violence has prompted them to leave 'with a heavy heart'

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Image courtesy of "Nine"

'We are stuck': Aussies remain in limbo as flights depart New ... (Nine)

Authorities will work today to rescue the remaining Australians stranded in New Caledonia, after two repa...

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Image courtesy of "9News"

'We are stuck': Stranded Australians remain in limbo as flights depart ... (9News)

Authorities will work today to rescue the remaining Australian tourists stranded in New Caledonia, after ...

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Image courtesy of "NEWS.com.au"

Good news for hundreds of stranded Aussies (NEWS.com.au)

Australians bunkering down in riot-stricken New Caledonia will fly home on a French repatriation flight on Wednesday, as the government races to get the ...

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Image courtesy of "The Australian Financial Review"

New Caledonia riots: What's really behind the riots in New Caledonia? (The Australian Financial Review)

Deadly violence has erupted in New Caledonia, a French overseas territory in the South Pacific, after lawmakers in Paris approved a constitutional amendment ...

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Image courtesy of "Neos Kosmos"

Stranded family in New Caledonia desperate to return home amidst ... (Neos Kosmos)

Amidst escalating violence, Loukas Nitsas, Maoyin Dou and their two children are seeking safe passage back to Melbourne.

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Image courtesy of "The Sydney Morning Herald"

Macron heads to riot-hit New Caledonia as Australia, NZ evacuate ... (The Sydney Morning Herald)

Some 108 Australians and other tourists landed in Brisbane, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said. More flights are expected.

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Image courtesy of "ABC News"

Australians still stranded in New Caledonia await more evacuation ... (ABC News)

Stranded Australian tourists in riot-stricken New Caledonia say they've been notified of French government flights back to Australia, but details are ...

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Image courtesy of "National Indigenous Times"

Macron heads to New Caledonia for talks following riots (National Indigenous Times)

Protesters and a thousand French police reinforcements are playing a 'game of cat and mouse' in New Caledonia ahead of the arrival of France's Preside...

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

New Caledonia: Australian evacuees express relief after violent unrest (BBC News)

Australia and New Zealand bring dozens of people home, after deadly unrest in the French territory.

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Image courtesy of "InDaily"

Australians flown out of riot-hit New Caledonia - InDaily (InDaily)

More than 80 Australians have arrived home after being repatriated aboard RAAF planes following more than a week of deadly rioting in New Caledonia.

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Image courtesy of "The Associated Press"

Australia, New Zealand evacuate scores of their citizens from New ... (The Associated Press)

Australia says its military has flown 115 people from the restive French Pacific territory of New Caledonia and France will soon evacuate and 100 to the ...

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Image courtesy of "9News"

Uncertainty looms as Australians remain stranded in Noumea (9News)

Almost 200 Australians stranded in riot-stricken New Caledonia have their bags packed to leave the French P...

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