Pacific Islands Leaders Postpone Visit to New Caledonia Amid Civil Unrest

Pacific Islands leaders have delayed their visit to New Caledonia due to ongoing civil unrest between indigenous Kanaks and French loyalists. The delegation's trip was initially approved by both New Caledonia's President Louis Mapou and French President Emmanuel Macron. However, procedural issues have postponed the visit.

Pacific Islands leaders have chosen to delay their planned visit to New Caledonia to evaluate civil unrest between indigenous Kanaks and French loyalists, announced Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, who also chairs the regional bloc, on Wednesday.

The proposed visit by the Pacific Islands Forum 'Troika,' which includes Brown and Fiji's prime minister, was initially requested by New Caledonia President Louis Mapou and received approval from French President Emmanuel Macron. 'However, the New Caledonia Government has identified a number of issues regarding due process and protocol that will need to be addressed prior to a Troika visit,' Brown explained.

Radio New Zealand reported on Monday that New Caledonia Congress President Roch Wamytan accused France of attempting to control the visit, asserting that the local government should host the delegation. France's High Commissioner for the Pacific, Veronique Roger-Lacan, stated on social media that France is ready to welcome the mission at any time. The situation remains tense, as France deployed hundreds of police officers to the territory following riots sparked by voting reforms in May.

(With inputs from agencies.)