France's Macron to visit riot-hit New Caledonia to 'set up a mission'

By Nur Asena Erturk

The French president will go to the riot-hit overseas territory of New Caledonia on Tuesday evening, a government spokesperson announced.

Emmanuel Macron will "set up a mission" in the Pacific archipelago, Prisca Thevenot told a news conference following the council of ministers.

The unrest that started last week was sparked by a constitutional review initiated by French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin.

If the changes are adopted, French nationals who have lived on the island for at least 10 years will be eligible to vote in local elections.

Locals, however, are concerned that the changes will dilute the indigenous Kanak population's vote.

France declared a state of emergency and deployed additional forces to assist the local forces in reinstating order.

Capital Noumea’s international Tontouta Airport will remain closed to all commercial flights until Saturday due to the violence.