Riots in New Caledonia’s capital, Noumea, have led to the mass exodus of approximately 11,000 people, including 20% of the island’s medical workers, causing a significant strain on the local healthcare system. Since the violent unrest that began in May 2024, which saw 13 deaths and widespread destruction, the island’s population of 270,000 faces the ongoing challenges of unemployment, with one in five people currently out of work.
France’s Overseas Minister, Manuel Valls, is currently visiting New Caledonia and has presented a draft proposal to all political parties in an effort to address the island’s crises. The riots were sparked by a controversial electoral reform bill, which was later revoked, that would have allowed long-term French nationals to vote in local elections. The unrest, which led to a €2.2 billion ($2.38 billion) damage estimate, saw the French military deployed in response. Following the riots, the island’s pro-independence government was replaced by anti-independence leader Alcide Ponga.
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