The French government has deployed additional police to New Caledonia in response to three nights of violent upheaval following the deaths of four people. Rioters, angry over an electoral reform, have burnt businesses, torched cars, looted shops, and created road barricades, leading to a dire situation in terms of access to medicine and food on the island. French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has declared a state of emergency, placed at least 10 people under house arrest, and banned TikTok.
The number of police and gendarmes on the island will increase from 1,700 to 2,700 by Friday, with some soldiers assisting in the operation. Attal described the situation in New Caledonia as very tense, with ongoing looting, riots, fires, and attacks that are deemed unacceptable. He emphasized that France will show firmness towards looters and rioters and will impose stricter sanctions. The unrest was triggered by a new bill, passed by lawmakers in Paris, that allows French residents who have lived in New Caledonia for 10 years to vote in provincial elections, a move that some local leaders fear will dilute the indigenous Kanak vote.
Overseas, the French government announced plans to crack down on rioters in New Caledonia following a series of violent incidents that have disrupted the peace on the Pacific island. French authorities have expressed concerns about the dire situation affecting access to essential goods, such as medicine and food, as a result of the rioters’ actions. Locals have described the chaos as everything burning with people having no limits, illustrating the severity of the situation.
In response to the escalating violence, France has implemented a state of emergency on the island and taken steps to increase security forces, with a significant boost in police presence anticipated by the end of the week. French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has vowed to show strictness towards those involved in looting and rioting, emphasizing the need for tougher sanctions to restore order. The unrest was sparked by a new electoral reform bill that has raised concerns among some local leaders about the potential impact on the indigenous Kanak vote, leading to protests and violent clashes.
The French government’s decision to deploy additional forces to New Caledonia reflects its commitment to restoring peace and order on the island in the face of ongoing unrest. The situation, characterized by looting, riots, and fires, has prompted a strong response from French authorities, who are determined to clamp down on individuals responsible for the violence. With a focus on addressing the concerns of local leaders and maintaining the integrity of the electoral process, France is taking steps to ensure stability and security in New Caledonia in the wake of the recent upheaval.
