President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday met with local officials in riot-hit New Caledonia, having crossed the globe by plane in a high-profile show of support for the French Pacific archipelago gripped by deadly unrest and where indigenous people have long sought independence.
Macron, who briefly spoke to reporters after his arrival at La Tontouta International Airport, about 50 kilometres from the capital Noumea, said he viewed a return to calm as the top priority.
He said his wish, along with that of his ministers and government, was "to be alongside the people and see a return to peace, calm and security as soon as possible”.
During the 12-hour visit, Macron is to discuss with local leaders the resources needed to repair the damage wrought by days of shootings, arson and other violence that has left at least six dead and destruction estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of euros.
“We will discuss questions of economic reconstruction, support and rapid response, and the most delicate political questions, as we talk about the future of New Caledonia," he said.
“By the end of the day, decisions will be taken and announcements will be made.”
As he opened a meeting with local leaders, Macron held a moment of silence for the people who lost their lives in the unrest before touching on the steps his government plans to take.
Officials from both pro-independence and loyalist factions were present, according to a list of attendees provided by the Elysée presidential office.
Extra security
Macron said 3,000 security officers had been deployed to New Caledonia. They will stay as long as deemed necessary, he said – even if that means remaining there during the summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.
While saying he didn't think the state of emergency should be extended, Macron added that it would only be lifted if all political leaders called for the barricades and roadblocks to be taken down.
The government was working with local leaders to assess the cost of the damage and was prepared to provide financial aid and insurance assistance.
Macron said he hoped an open dialogue would decrease tensions and provide a way forward that respects the outcomes of previous independence referendums that were in favor of staying part of France.
French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu and Overseas Territories Minister Marie Guevenoux accompanied Macron on the trip.
(with newswires)
