Stories by Patrick Decloitre

Analysis - New Caledonia's Southern province is facing a barrage of criticism following statements she made at the weekend, calling for the French Pacific territory to be partitioned.

More armoured vehicles and firetrucks have been delivered for New Caledonia's security forces, including police and firemen. Audio

A round-up of news in brief from the French Pacific region, French Polynesia's MPs endorse cannabis for therapeutic use, and Metzdorf hopes pro-independence MP Tjibaou will remain moderate.

The first step in the multi-million-dollar project is for the Google ship to study the ocean's bottom and plot the best possible route, while taking into account environmental factors.

Nouméa Public Prosecutor Yves Dupas confirmed the fatality, saying the victim had opened fire on the French gendarmes, who then returned fire.

A round-up of news in brief from the French Pacific region, including the cost estimate of the New Caledonia unrest reaching €2.2 billion.

Five New Caledonia pro-independence leaders will continue to serve a preliminary term in several jails in mainland France, pending their trial, a Nouméa court ruled on Friday.

Analysis - The French general election in the Pacific this weekend has produced new MPs in New Caledonia and French Polynesia, but in opposite directions.

Voters in New Caledonia are called to the polls this weekend under tight security, almost eight weeks after destructive and violent unrest broke out in the French Pacific archipelago.

French Pacific results for the first round of French national snap elections have shown on Sunday a firm radicalisation, especially in the case of New Caledonia. Audio

A round-up of news in brief from the French Pacific region, including the Tahitian language added to Google translate and France's surfing team for Olympics named.

There has been more burning and destruction in the French overseas territory.

Pro-independence leaders charged with allegedly organising protests that turned into violent unrest in New Caledonia have been transferred to mainland France.

A round-up of news in brief from the French Pacific region, including a special emergency fund for New Caledonia , and a French Polynesia court acquits a father for treating his son with cannabis. Audio

The arrests come five weeks after pro-independence protests - against a proposed change to voter eligibility at local elections - degenerated into violence, looting and arson.

The FLNKS is the pro-independence Kanak Socialist National Liberation Front.

"We can no longer afford to ensure the smooth operation of New Caledonia due to substantial loss of tax revenues and social contributions."

A round-up of news in brief from the French Pacific region, including "Marara" military exercise in French Polynesia that "illustrates France's commitment to security and stability in the Pacific.

Most of the incumbent MPs for the French Pacific have announced they will run again.

During a press conference in Paris, the French President mentioned all of the now-dissolved National Assembly's "pending projects".

The French Constitution says all pending bills left unvoted by the Lower House are cancelled because the dissolution signifies the end of the legislature and therefore of the current ordinary session.

The pause comes ahead of pro-independence protesters' national Congress, where they will seek a common stance on the riots.

Only a limited number of international flights will be operational, in what AirCalin terms as a "light" and "modified" schedule.

This is after a disturbing video was posted in a neighbourhood watch Facebook group, allegedly implicating them in acts of severe violence against a person they had just arrested.

In-depth - New Caledonia has been the scene of deadly and destructive riots since 13 May 2024.