Prime Minister Gabriel Attal paid tribute on Friday to two gendarmes who were killed during violence in New Caledonia, stating that they had fallen in the line of duty to restore order and protect citizens. The ceremony took place in Maisons-Alfort, Val-de-Marne, where Attal honored the fallen gendarmes for their service. He emphasized the significance of their sacrifice, highlighting the risks they faced in the course of their duty.
The two gendarmes, Maréchal des Logis-Chef Nicolas Molinari (22 years old) and Major Xavier Salou (46 years old), were killed on May 15th and 16th, respectively, during the ongoing unrest in the archipelago. Molinari was fatally shot in the head during an intervention, while Salou succumbed to an accidental discharge from a colleague’s weapon during a handling exercise. These tragic deaths occurred amidst broader protests over a contested electoral reform in New Caledonia led by the local independence movement.
Attal stressed the importance of swiftly restoring order in New Caledonia to prevent further escalation of violence and instability. He acknowledged the precarious situation in the region, emphasizing the need for calm and dialogue to diffuse tensions. Attal highlighted the efforts of President Emmanuel Macron, who had travelled to New Caledonia to engage with stakeholders and facilitate communication in order to promote reconciliation and peace.
In his speech, Attal expressed solidarity and support for the families of the fallen gendarmes, recognizing their sacrifices in service of the nation. He emphasized the bravery and dedication displayed by Molinari and Salou, who had courageously faced the challenges posed by the unrest in New Caledonia. Attal commended their commitment to upholding law and order, underscoring the role of gendarmes in maintaining social stability and safety in the face of adversity.
As the situation remained delicate in New Caledonia, Attal called for unity and cooperation to address the underlying issues fueling the violence. He underscored the importance of dialogue and understanding to foster reconciliation and build a peaceful future for the region. Attal’s tribute to the fallen gendarmes served as a reminder of the risks and sacrifices made by law enforcement officers in the line of duty, as well as the government’s commitment to honoring their memory and upholding public safety.
