VANUATU called on France today to engage peacefully with the leaders of the indigenous Kanak people of New Caledonia after the French government announced that President Emmanuel Macron will visit the island tomorrow.

Protests and rioting erupted in the capital city of Noumea last week after the French government imposed new laws on who is allowed to vote in local elections – sparking fears that the Kanak people’s democratic voice will be diluted by French voters there.

The unrest on the French colony has led to some looting, arson and deadly clashes with the police, which have killed at least six people. The French government declared a 12-day state of emergency on the island last week and has sent 1,000 soldiers.