Pacific Leaders Set to Visit New Caledonia Amid Civil Unrest

French President Emmanuel Macron has approved a visit by Pacific Island leaders to New Caledonia to address ongoing civil unrest. The visit aims to reduce violence and promote dialogue. The delegation, led by prominent regional leaders, is set to take place before the Pacific Islands Forum meeting in late August.

Pacific Island leaders are set to visit New Caledonia to address civil unrest, following French President Emmanuel Macron's approval. The unrest involves indigenous Kanaks and French loyalists.

Pacific Islands Forum Chairman Mark Brown announced the visit, involving leaders from Fiji, Tonga or Solomon Islands, before the annual Forum meeting on August 26.

The delegation aims to reduce violence and encourage dialogue. New Caledonia has seen heightened tensions since May over voting reforms, with France deploying police to manage road block protests.

(With inputs from agencies.)