Return to calm is priority in riots-hit New Caledonia, Macron says

Paris has deployed around 3,000 gendarmes, police and other security forces to the archipelago since the violence began on 13 May.

Transcript

00:00 On a visit to Nouméa, French President Emmanuel Macron announced troops reinforcements to

00:06 restore order after more than a week of violence in New Caledonia.

00:11 Paris has deployed around 3,000 gendarmes, police and other security forces to the archipelago

00:17 since the violence began on May 13.

00:21 "These forces will remain as long as necessary, even during the Olympic and Paralympic Games."

00:33 The visit began with a minute of silence in memory of the six victims who died during

00:38 the riots, including two gendarmes and four civilians.

00:44 Macron also said the state of emergency imposed in New Caledonia should not be extended if

00:50 the roadblocks are lifted.

00:52 The riots were triggered by a bill to reform the electorate, which would give the right

00:57 to vote to thousands of non-Aboriginal residents.

01:02 Opponents feared that the Canaks would be further marginalized.

01:06 "We are not going to let this happen again."

01:07 - Macron

01:08 "We are not going to let this happen again."

01:09 - Macron

01:09 [Whoosh]