President Emmanuel Macron is set to travel to New Caledonia following over a week of unrest sparked by his government's proposed voting reform plans, which have been rejected
by the indigenous Kanaks.
Indigenous leaders argue that the reforms, which would allow more French residents to vote in local elections, would dilute the political influence of native people.
Details regarding the duration of President Macron's stay or his specific activities on the island have not been disclosed.
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal is also scheduled to visit the French Pacific territory in the coming weeks, according to a spokesperson.
"Faced with the outbreak of violence, the priority is the return of order to allow dialogue to resume in New Caledonia," said government spokesperson Prisca Thevenot. She noted that while some calm has been restored, the situation remains tense.
Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire stated that he had "spoken with all economic players to build the support of the state," addressing the looting and property destruction that has occurred on the island.
On Monday night, President Macron informed his defense and security council that hundreds of troops sent from France had made progress in restoring order but would need to remain in New Caledonia for an extended period.
In response to the unrest, Australia and New Zealand have started evacuating civilians from the territory.
The French High Commission in New Caledonia announced on Tuesday that the airport remains closed for commercial flights, with the military deployed to protect public buildings.
French gendarmes have been working to regain control of the 60km (37-mile) road between Nouméa and La Tontouta International Airport, clearing 76 roadblocks and debris, including burnt-out vehicles. However, AFP journalists reported that pro-independence Kanak activists have been rebuilding these roadblocks.
Australia estimates that around 3,200 people are waiting to leave or enter New Caledonia and has warned against attempting to reach the airport due to safety concerns.
The riots have resulted in the deaths of four civilians, including at least three indigenous Kanak residents, and two police officers. Dozens have been injured, and more than 200 people have been arrested.
France has declared a state of emergency and deployed military forces to the territory's ports and international airport.
New Caledonia has been a French territory since the mid-1800s. Photo by Fourrure from France, Wikimedia commons.