Pacific / New Caledonia

Macron to visit scene of 1980s hostage crisis on New Caledonia visit

07:26 am on 4 April 2018

The French president Emmanuel Macron is due for a visit in New Caledonia next month. While there, he will visit the island of Ouvea, according to reports. Photo: AFP

The French president, Emmanuel Macron, will visit the island of Ouvea on 5 May during a visit to New Caledonia, according to local reports.

This was disclosed by the pro-independence politician Roch Wamytan to local media as preparations are underway for the presidential visit next month.

On 5 May 1988, the Ouvea hostage crisis ended violently and controversially, with Kanak separatists being killed after having held several French police hostage.

19 Kanaks and two Frenchmen died.

Mr Macron is reportedly due in Noumea on 3 May for a three-day visit.

New Caledonia will hold an independence referendum on 4 November.