The recent increase in violence in New Caledonia, and the fear that it may escalate into a civil war, has raised concerns about the number of weapons circulating in the archipelago. Five people have died since the beginning of the riots, including two gendarmes. The high commissioner of the Republic in New Caledonia, Louis Le Franc, reported that there were shootings with high-caliber firearms, such as hunting rifles, aimed at the gendarmes in the town of Mont-Dore, southeast of Noumea, on the night of Monday, May 13.
New Caledonia is known for having a significant number of firearms in relation to its population. The government estimates that there is, on average, one firearm for every four inhabitants. A parliamentary report published in April stated that around 64,000 firearms of categories B and C (hunting and sport shooting weapons) are in circulation in the archipelago. Taking into account illegally possessed firearms, the total number of weapons was estimated to be 100,000. This is a substantial figure considering the population of 268,500 inhabitants.
The sociologist Evelyne Barthou explained that the high number of firearms in New Caledonia is due to a historical tradition of hunting. The territory has a strong rural presence, and hunting is a significant activity, often a family tradition. Firearms are commonly used to hunt deer and wild pigs, which are considered pests. The anthropologist Benoît Trépied added that firearms are carefully stored in homes, reflecting their importance in the culture of New Caledonia. The rural history of the territory, with its tradition of big livestock herds, has contributed to the widespread ownership of firearms.
Former high commissioner in New Caledonia, Thierry Lataste, noted that there is a cultural appreciation for firearms in New Caledonia. The Federation of Wildlife and Hunting of New Caledonia has 4,500 members each year, and there are also approximately 2,000 licensed sport shooting enthusiasts in the territory. The love for firearms is deeply rooted in the culture of the Calédonienne civilization. Both Kanak and Caldoche families partake in the practice of hunting and enjoy the sport of shooting. The culture of firearm ownership is closely tied to the history and lifestyle of the people in New Caledonia.
Overall, the culture of firearms in New Caledonia is deeply ingrained in the rural lifestyle and traditions of the territory. The history of hunting and the importance of firearms for livestock management have contributed to the proliferation of weapons. However, the recent violence has raised concerns about the consequences of this widespread ownership and use of firearms. The government and authorities are facing challenges in addressing the issue of gun violence and ensuring the safety of the population as tensions escalate in the region. Efforts are being made to address the root causes of violence and find ways to prevent further conflicts from erupting.
