Information
Amid violent unrest in New Caledonia, the governments of Australia and New Zealand are sending planes to evacuate their nationals. Hundreds of tourists have been trapped in hotels due to the turmoil. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed that French authorities have authorized two evacuation flights, with additional flights being planned. Approximately 300 Australians are currently in New Caledonia. New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced that an initial flight would bring home 50 passengers with urgent needs, with more flights to follow. The French High Commission in New Caledonia reported that the airport remains closed for commercial flights, leaving around 3,200 people stranded.
The unrest in New Caledonia began over changes to the constitution that would allow more migrants, primarily from France, to vote, sparking deadly riots after the National Assembly approved the changes. The riots have led to six deaths, hundreds of injuries, and widespread destruction, including looted and burnt businesses and road barricades. The indigenous Kanak people fear the new voting rules will dilute their political influence. French authorities are deploying additional military and police forces to protect public buildings and maintain order. New Caledonia, a French territory since 1853, holds significant geopolitical and economic importance to France, especially as a major producer of nickel, essential for electric vehicle batteries.
Source: AFP, AP, Reuters
So what
It is surprising to me that these evacuations have taken so long, it is likely that if the country was not controlled by France then they would have happened much sooner. One trouble, particularly for NZ will be a lack of air assets, limiting the number of trips and likely leading to a reliance on Australia to evacuate some of our citizens. Regardless, this is a great example of why countries, even little old New Zealand need a defence force, because you never know where and when you will need them.
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