A state of emergency has been imposed in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia in response to protests over voting reforms supported by the government in Paris. The number of violent incidents reported in the archipelago fell slightly on Friday, following the deployment of 1,000 security service reinforcements with increased powers to quell unrest. Five people, including two police officers, have been killed since Monday, with at least 60 members of the security forces injured and 214 people arrested over clashes with police, arson, and looting. The state of emergency will last for at least 11 days, with a curfew in effect from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Exceptions to the curfew include essential public service personnel, urgent medical travel, and critical nighttime activities.
Tensions have simmered for decades in New Caledonia between the Kanaks, who seek independence, and the descendants of colonists who want it to remain part of France. European settlers in the territory distinguish between descendants of colonists and those who trace their ancestry to prisoners sent to New Caledonia by force. Stricter measures have been announced under the state of emergency to regain control of areas in the territorial capital, Noumea, that remain out of control. Despite a measure of calm, fires were set at a school and two businesses on Thursday night, and violence continued in some areas. The deployment of extra military and police forces aims to address the worst outbreak of violence in New Caledonia since the 1980s.
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has stated that around 1,000 extra security forces will be sent to New Caledonia, adding to the 1,700 already present, and authorities will seek the harshest penalties for rioters and looters. French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin has announced the banning of TikTok in response to it being used by protesters, a decision that the social media company called “regrettable.” A representative from the hospital in Noumea expressed concern over the deteriorating situation due to roadblocks in the city, with an estimated three or four people possibly dying due to lack of access to medical care. The hospital is facing challenges in providing care to patients, with a significant drop in emergency room visits and an increase in gunshot wounds.
French lawmakers recently approved changes to the French Constitution that would allow residents who have lived in New Caledonia for 10 years to vote in provincial elections. Independence supporters argue that this change would further marginalize the Kanak community, which makes up about 40% of the population. A joint session of both houses of the French parliament still needs to approve the voting reform. French President Emmanuel Macron has indicated that lawmakers will vote to adopt the constitutional change by the end of June unless opposing sides in New Caledonia can reach a new agreement. Authorities have detained about 200 rioters and placed five suspected independence activists accused of organizing violence under house arrest. Security forces have also accused Azerbaijan of interfering following visits by several independence leaders, a claim denied by the government in Baku.
