3 days ago
New warning for Aussies travelling to New Caledonia
The Australian government has updated its advice for travel to New Caledonia.
It has warned Aussies to 'exercise a high degree of caution' following continued civil unrest.
'There's still a high police and security presence in country,' the government's travel advisory service, Smartraveller said on Wednesday.
'Isolated security incidents may occur across the territory. Monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities.'
It also explained authorities may impose restrictions, including curfews, at short notice.
'Security incidents, including arson, continue across the country. Political demonstrations and protests may turn violent at short notice.'
The warning comes more than a year after a wave of violent unrest swept across the French overseas territory.
In May 2024, rioting and looting erupted in New Caledonia over an electoral reform plan that Indigenous Kanak people feared would leave them in a permanent minority, putting independence hopes definitively out of reach.
The unrest left nine dead and damage estimated at more than 1.5 billion euros (AU$2.46 billion).
More recently, the separatists of the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS) announced on Wednesday they have rejected a recent agreement they signed with French officials on a new status for the territory.
Signed on July 12 under the guidance of the French Overseas Minister, Manuel Valls, the Bougival text outlines the transfer of limited sovereign powers including currency, justice and policing to a New Caledonian state.
While it provides for a separate state for New Caledonia (within the French state), nationality, and local officials given more powers, things like security, defence and justice would continue to be controlled by officials in Paris.
The absence of a new independence referendum – a core demand for many Kanaky activists – has proven to be a deal-breaker, according to local reports.
Mr Valls announced that he will travel to New Caledonia next week for consultations.
