France initiated a major law enforcement operation in New Caledonia on Sunday to clear the road to the airport after riots against electoral reform led to six fatalities. French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin announced that the operation involves over 600 gendarmes and aims to restore control over the 60-kilometer main road between Nouméa and the airport.
The operation also responds to New Zealand’s request for France to secure the airport for repatriating its citizens. New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters confirmed their readiness to take off, pending French authorization.
Flight suspensions since Tuesday have stranded approximately 3,200 people at the airport, according to the archipelago’s government.
France Accuses Azerbaijan of Stirring Unrest
France accused Azerbaijan on Friday of inciting unrest in New Caledonia by spreading misleading photos and videos on social networks against French police. The French internet disinformation unit, Viginum, identified Azerbaijani social media accounts as responsible for the anti-French propaganda.
Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin had initially accused Azerbaijan without presenting evidence. Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry denied the allegations and distanced itself from the protests in New Caledonia.
Viginum reported that the disinformation campaign included a doctored image depicting dead independence protesters and a white man in a shooting stance, labeled “French police are killers.” At least 86 posts on the platform X, formerly Twitter, were linked to Azerbaijan’s ruling party YAP.
Azerbaijan’s reaction to French support for Armenia, with which it has had long-standing conflicts, has been notably severe. France, home to a significant Armenian community, has provided military aid to Armenia.
