There has been a recent decrease in violent incidents in New Caledonia after France declared a state of emergency and deployed 1,000 additional security personnel. High Commissioner Louis Le Franc announced a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. that includes exceptions for essential public service personnel, urgent medical travel, and critical activities. The state of emergency and curfew were imposed by President Macron following unrest in the French Pacific territory that has long sought independence. The curfew is expected to help restore order and curb violence in the region.
Decades-long tensions between the Indigenous Kanaks and descendants of colonizers have fueled the violence in the archipelago. Clashes erupted after protests over voting reforms that would allow long-term residents to participate in provincial elections. The announcement of these changes led to violent demonstrations, resulting in several deaths and injuries. The deteriorating situation has been worsened by roadblocks in Noumea, the capital of New Caledonia, impeding access to medical care for patients, including those in need of dialysis treatment.
Thierry de Greslan, a representative from the hospital in Noumea, expressed concern over the impact of the unrest on the healthcare system. He highlighted the challenges faced by medical personnel in providing care to patients amidst the ongoing violence. Emergency room visits have significantly decreased, leading to worries about the potential future consequences for patients who are unable to receive adequate treatment due to the unrest. Despite the readiness of medical staff to respond to emergencies, there is growing apprehension about the long-term effects of the current situation on patients’ health.
The French authorities in New Caledonia and Paris reported multiple casualties, including five people killed, two of whom were police officers, during the recent protests. More than 60 security force members were injured, and over 200 individuals were arrested for various offenses such as clashing with police, arson, and looting. The violence has deeply affected the Kanak community, with leaders of a Kanak Workers Union in Paris appealing for calm and expressing sorrow over the deaths in their homeland. The heightened security measures and enforcement of curfew are aimed at containing the unrest and preserving public order in New Caledonia.
The state of emergency, curfew, and deployment of additional security forces are part of the French government’s efforts to regain control over the violent situation in New Caledonia. President Macron’s administration has taken decisive steps to address the escalating tensions in the French Pacific territory, emphasizing the need to restore peace and stability in the region. The stringent measures imposed under the state of emergency, including penalties for curfew violations, seek to enforce compliance with the regulations and ensure the safety of the residents of New Caledonia. As the situation continues to evolve, the focus remains on de-escalating the violence and fostering a peaceful resolution to the longstanding grievances that have fueled the unrest in the archipelago.
