New Caledonia airport closed as pro-independence group says roadblocks will continue

The situation in New Caledonia, an overseas territory of France, remains tense as protests against voting reforms continue. The French government has deployed 1,000 armed police, troops, and national security reinforcements to the region, which has a population of approximately 270,000 people. Pro-independence forces have vowed to maintain roadblocks that have paralyzed parts of the territory, leading to widespread violence and the closure of the airport on Tuesday.

The French Pacific territory of New Caledonia has been plagued by unrest, with protests sparked by a constitutional amendment that will change who can participate in elections. The Kanak people, the indigenous population, are opposed to the reforms and have taken to the streets, leading to clashes with security forces, arson, looting, and other violence. As a result, France has declared a state of emergency and the airport remains closed until Thursday, despite requests from Australia and New Zealand for it to reopen earlier. The roadblocks set up by protesters are making it difficult to deliver food supplies and provide secure travel for medical staff. Despite efforts to dismantle some of the barricades, 76 remain in place, and the situation is considered "deeply concerning" by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.