ALBAWABA - The governments of Australia and New Zealand announced sending planes to evacuate nationals out of the Pacific island, as the country plunged into turmoil electoral changes imposed by the French government in Paris.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that the government secured authorization for two flights following the closure of the international airport, and that work on more flights would continue.
A meeting of France's defense council later agreed on plans to allow visitors to return home. According to AFP, over 3,000 tourists have been trapped in New Caledonia, including over 300 Australians and roughly 250 New Zealanders.
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters stated that a plane will be sent to New Caledonia to initiate evacuations. He added that the flight would carry approximately 50 passengers with the most pressing needs from Noumea to Auckland. It would be the first in a series of planned flights, Peters said.
"New Zealanders in New Caledonia have faced a challenging few days – and bringing them home has been an urgent priority for the government," Peters stated.
The evacuations come at a time when New Caledonia’s international airport remains closed as protestors continue to block roads refusing to put an end to their demonstrations until their demands are met.
Rioting erupted last week before legislators in Paris voted on a plan allowing French people who have resided in New Caledonia for ten years to vote in provincial elections, which some local leaders believe will dilute the Kanak vote.
Protests over the regulations became violent on Monday night, with firearms fired at security personnel, vehicles set ablaze, and shops looted in the worst unrest the French overseas territory has seen since the 1980s.
France considered a law that would extend voting eligibility in local elections to French nationals who have resided in New Caledonia for more than ten years, a move critics believe will marginalize Indigenous people. Following prolonged debates, the National Assembly in Paris approved the amendment with 351 votes to 153.
