The first Australian government flight evacuating citizens from the French territory of New Caledonia has landed in Brisbane, as riots continue to engulf the island.
The first Australian government flight from New Caledonia landed in Brisbane on the evening of Tuesday, May 21, after evacuating people from the French territory which has experienced a week of deadly riots.
The riots were sparked by electoral changes by the French government in Paris, which would have given tens of thousands of non-indigenous residents voting rights.
Around 3,200 people are waiting to leave or enter New Caledonia as commercial flights were canceled due to the unrest that broke out last week, the local government has said.
The French High Commission in New Caledonia said on Tuesday the airport remains closed for commercial flights, and it will deploy the military to protect public buildings.
The Pacific territory of 270,000 people has been in turmoil since May 13, when violence erupted over the French plans.
The unrest has left six people dead, including two police officers, and hundreds injured.
France's President Emmanuel Macron is expected to visit New Caledonia on Wednesday to meet with local leaders and assess the situation.
The Australian government has urged all Australians in New Caledonia to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and follow the advice of local authorities.
DFAT has also advised Australians to avoid all non-essential travel to New Caledonia.
The Australian government has also offered assistance to the French government, including providing consular support to Australian citizens in New Caledonia.
The riots in New Caledonia are the latest in a series of anti-government protests that have taken place in the French overseas territories in recent years.
In 2017, there were widespread protests in Guadeloupe and Martinique over economic and social issues.
In 2018, there were protests in French Guiana over the high cost of living and the lack of services.
The French government has been criticized for its handling of the protests, which have often led to violence and arrests.
The riots in New Caledonia are a reminder of the challenges that the French government faces in governing its overseas territories.
The territories are often home to large indigenous populations who have their own unique cultures and histories.
The French government has been trying to balance the need to maintain law and order with the need to respect the rights of the indigenous people.
The riots in New Caledonia are a test for the French government's ability to find a solution that is acceptable to both the indigenous and non-indigenous populations.
