Violence Flares Again as France Detains and Extradites 7 New Caledonian Activists

A peaceful resolution of New Caledonia’s quest for independence may have been sacrificed to shore up votes for Emmanuel Macron’s party in a snap election.

French President Emmanuel Macron visits the central police station with France's Minister for Interior and Overseas Gerald Darmanin (R) in Noumea, France's Pacific territory of New Caledonia on May 23, 2024. France's president made a long-haul trip to the restive Pacific territory of New Caledonia on on May 23, urging a "return to peace" after deadly rioting, and vowing thousands of military reinforcements will be deployed for "as long as necessary". (Photo by Ludovic MARIN / POOL / AFP) Photo by LUDOVIC MARIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

A surprise decision by France to arrest seven New Caledonian independence activists and remove them to France has sparked another round of violence in the French territory.

The activists were suspected of being members of a “Field Action Coordinating Cell” (CCAT) that was set up last year by Union Calédonienne (UC).