French President Macron is heading to riot-stricken New Caledonia following days of deadly unrest.
Macron's surprise visit underscores French authorities' confidence in stabilizing the troubled Pacific territory.
The government spokesperson confirmed Macron's imminent departure, signaling a hopeful return to calm.
With a state of emergency declared and reinforcements deployed, Paris aims to restore order in Nouméa.
Violence, looting, and arson erupted after a contentious move to alter voting laws.
The decision to expand voting eligibility sparked outrage among the indigenous Kanak community.
Decades of tension between pro-independence Kanaks and those aligned with France intensify amid the crisis.
The archipelago's complex dynamics involve a mix of descendants of colonizers and indigenous populations.
Macron's visit highlights the urgency to address longstanding grievances and seek reconciliation.
New Caledonia's fate hangs in the balance as it navigates the path towards autonomy or continued ties with France.
