Macron describes the New Caledonia insurrection as unprecedented.

French President Emmanuel Macron has characterized the unrest in New Caledonia as an "unprecedented insurrection movement" that caught everyone off guard.

While visiting police headquarters in the capital Nouméa on Thursday, he acknowledged the challenging days ahead but pledged that Paris would pursue efforts to restore order to the fullest extent.

The violence, sparked by a contentious electoral reform, has resulted in six deaths, including two police officers, and left hundreds injured due to riots, looting, and arson.

New Caledonia, situated between Australia and Fiji, has been under French rule since the 19th century. Tensions between the central government in Paris and the indigenous Kanak population, constituting about 40% of the archipelago, have been simmering. The Kanak community fears that a new law granting voting rights to French residents residing there for over a decade will diminish indigenous influence.

The current unrest, which erupted on May 13th, marks the most significant turmoil since the 1980s. A state of emergency has been declared, with President Macron affirming the deployment of a 3,000-strong force from France, even if it means extending their presence during the Paris Summer Olympics.

Upon his arrival in Nouméa after a 24-hour flight from Paris, President Macron emphasized the urgent need to restore peace, tranquility, and security. He expressed condolences for the victims of the riots and engaged with local political and business leaders during a summit, which also included separatist representatives aiming to revitalize discussions with France.