Previous story is belowFrench President Emmanuel Macron was on a flight to New Caledonia Wednesday to seek a political solution to the deadly violence that has rocked the French archipelago in the Pacific where indigenous Kanaks have long sought independence. The violence erupted May 13 as the French legislature in Paris debated amending the French Constitution to make changes to New Caledonia voter lists. Macron left France on Tuesday evening and is expected to land on Thursday morning in New Caledonia. The New Caledonia High Commission said more than 280 people have been arrested and 84 police officers and gendarmes have been injured. Macron, in the past, has facilitated dialogue in New Caledonia between pro-independence and pro-France factions.

Source: ABC News May 23, 2024 00:45 UTC