Gabriel Attal, the Prime Minister of France, paid tribute to two gendarmes who were killed during violence in New Caledonia, acknowledging their sacrifice in restoring order and protecting citizens. During a ceremony in Maisons-Alfort, Attal honored the memory of the two gendarmes who lost their lives while wearing the uniform of France in the face of rioting and violence. He praised their dedication and stated that their example would inspire others to continue their mission.
The two gendarmes who lost their lives were Maréchal des Logis-Chef Nicolas Molinari, aged 22, and Major Xavier Salou, aged 46. Molinari was shot in the head during an intervention, while Salou died from accidental gunfire from a fellow gendarme while handling a weapon. Their deaths are part of the seven casualties in the violence that has been ongoing in New Caledonia for the past ten days, sparked by opposition to a rejected electoral reform by the local independence movement. Gabriel Attal emphasized the importance of quickly restoring order in the region to prevent further escalation of the situation.
The Prime Minister highlighted the fragility of the current situation in New Caledonia, stating that it could easily be destabilized. He called for calm and dialogue to prevail, advocating for peaceful resolution and collaborative efforts to address the challenges faced by the region. President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to New Caledonia and his engagement with stakeholders were seen as crucial steps towards promoting dialogue and creating a conducive environment for peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Attal concluded his remarks by posthumously awarding the two fallen gendarmes the military medal and the insignia of Chevalier of the Legion of Honour as a mark of recognition for their service and sacrifice. He reiterated the commitment of the French government to support the efforts to restore peace and stability in New Caledonia, emphasizing the need for unity and cooperation in addressing the root causes of the violence and discontent in the region. The ceremony served as a solemn reminder of the risks faced by law enforcement officers in maintaining order and protecting the community.
