New Caledonia Airport Closed Due to Political Unrest Until June 3

Post by : Elena Malik

Photo : Reuters

New Caledonia's primary international airport, located in the capital city of Noumea, has remained shuttered since May 14, precipitated by a surge of violent protests in response to proposed electoral modifications. These disturbances, characterized by widespread unrest including looting, arson, and confrontations, resulted in seven fatalities and numerous injuries.

Aircalin, the local air carrier, recently confirmed the continuation of the airport closure until at least Monday, extending beyond two weeks since its initial closure. The High Commission, cognizant of the ongoing crisis, declared the prolongation, setting the tentative reopening for June 3 at 9 am (2200 GMT June 2).

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At the heart of the civil unrest lies New Caledonia's complex political landscape, where aspirations for greater autonomy or outright independence clash with historical governance structures. Governed from Paris since the 1800s, tensions escalated when plans emerged to grant voting rights to a substantial number of non-Indigenous long-term residents, a move perceived by Indigenous Kanaks as a threat to their electoral influence.

French President Emmanuel Macron's recent visit to the territory sought to assuage these tensions, with assurances that the proposed reforms would not be imposed without due consideration for local sentiments. Subsequently, a palpable de-escalation has ensued, marked by the lifting of the state of emergency on Tuesday, signaling a tentative step towards stability in New Caledonia's political landscape.

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