French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday police reinforcements in New Caledonia would remain as long as required, as he arrived in the French-ruled Pacific island in an attempt to end deadly riots triggered by a contested electoral reform.
Six people have been killed in riots that have left a trail of looted shops and torched cars and businesses since they began more than a week ago. The French government has sent hundreds of additional police to help bring things back under control.
With the island under a state of emergency, Macron said the additional security totaling 3,000 personnel would remain, even during the Paris Olympics if required.