The Olympic torch relay in New Caledonia, scheduled for June 11, has been canceled in order to prioritize the return to calm in the territory where violent riots have led to several deaths, explained Minister of Sports Amélie Oudéa-Castéra on Saturday, May 18. She emphasized the importance of consolidating public order and promoting peace in light of the current context. The decision was made as the violence and riots in New Caledonia, a French territory in the South Pacific, continue, with a sixth death reported in six days and the situation far from being calm according to the mayor of Nouméa, Sonia Lagarde.
Minister Oudéa-Castéra stressed the importance of prioritizing the safety of residents, restoring calm, and improving the political situation in New Caledonia amidst the ongoing violence. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announced the cancellation of the torch relay during a meeting with parliamentarians at Matignon. Despite the desire to share the symbolic moment, logistical and security challenges, as well as the focus on restoring order by law enforcement, have led to the decision. The minister in charge of the 2024 Paris Olympics mentioned the need for a countdown and various operations that need to be carried out for the event.
The ongoing riots in New Caledonia, sparked by a controversial electoral reform that angered the independence movement, are the most serious in the region since the 1980s. These riots have prompted law enforcement and military to focus on restoring order, making it challenging to prepare for the torch relay on June 11. The Olympic flame, which arrived in Marseille on May 8 aboard the three-masted ship Belem, is set to travel across France, including its overseas territories, before reaching the Seine on July 26 for the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The cancellation of the torch relay in New Caledonia reflects the government’s commitment to prioritize security and stability in light of the recent unrest. The decision was made to ensure that law enforcement and military resources are directed towards restoring order and preventing further violence in the territory. The Olympic torch relay, which is part of the preparations for the 2024 Paris Olympics, involves a series of logistical and security considerations that need to be addressed to ensure the safety and success of the event.
Despite the cancellation of the torch relay in New Caledonia, the spirit of the Olympics and the anticipation for the 2024 Paris Games remain high. The torch relay, which symbolizes unity and peace, will continue its journey across France, showcasing the country’s diversity and spirit of sportsmanship. The decision to cancel the relay in New Caledonia underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the current challenges and ensuring a safe and successful staging of the 2024 Olympics in Paris. The focus on promoting peace, security, and stability in New Caledonia reflects the broader efforts to create a peaceful and inclusive environment for the Games.
