UPDATE - France's Macron describes 'absolutely unprecedented insurrection movement' in New Caledonia

ADDS MORE STATEMENTS FROM MACRON; CHANGES HEADLINE, LEDE; EDITS THROUGHOUT

By Nur Asena Erturk

The French president on Thursday said there was an “absolutely unprecedented insurrection movement” in France's overseas territory New Caledonia, according to media reports.

Emmanuel Macron took up a visit to the riot-hit overseas territory to set up a dialogue mission following the unrest that has gripped the Pacific archipelago since last week.

He noted an “absolutely unprecedented insurrection movement” on the island during his visit to the central police station in the capital Noumea, the French broadcaster BFMTV reported.

“Nobody saw it coming with such a level of organization and violence,” Macron added.

The president also met with the elected local officials and said the calming down cannot be a “backward step.”

He explained that reversing the results of the three referendums that led New Caledonia to remain part of France’s overseas territory, is impossible.

Macron added that the additional forces sent from France to the island would remain “as long as needed,” maybe even during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

He also voiced his wish to not extend the state of emergency as long as all political authorities call for removing the roadblocks.

Macron said restoring peace and security in New Caledonia is the “top priority” upon arriving in New Caledonia.

“We will also discuss the topics of economic reconstruction, … as well as the most delicate political topics about the future of New Caledonia,” the president told reporters at the airport in Noumea.

“At the end of today (Thursday), decisions will be taken and announcements will be made,” he stressed.

The Pacific archipelago has been gripped by unrest since last week, sparked by a bill to review electoral rules.

If the changes are adopted, French nationals who have lived in the island nation 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 local forces in reinstating order.

The French government’s decision to ban access to the social media app TikTok in New Caledonia on May 15, soon after tensions rose, sparked controversy.

The government said it aimed to counter communication between the rioters.

French human rights groups contested the ban before the Council of State and the government had to justify its decision upon request of this court.