In a move to quell escalating violence, France declared a state of emergency on the Pacific island of New Caledonia following the deaths of three young Kanak indigenous people and a police officer in riots over electoral reform. The unrest erupted over a new bill allowing French citizens residing in New Caledonia for a decade to vote in provincial elections, a move viewed by some as potentially diluting the Kanak vote.
The state of emergency, announced at 5 a.m. local time, grants authorities enhanced powers to curb gatherings and restrict movement off the French-administered island. Reinforcements of 500 police officers were dispatched to join the 1,800 already deployed, following incidents of arson, looting, and clashes between protesters and law enforcement. The capital city imposed a curfew and shuttered schools in response to the violence.
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal vowed zero tolerance for further violence, asserting that the state of emergency would enable the deployment of substantial resources to restore order. Security measures were further bolstered with the military securing key transportation hubs, including the main port and airport.
In a controversial move, the French government also banned the popular video-sharing app TikTok, alleging its role in facilitating coordination among rioters, echoing similar measures taken during mainland disturbances last summer.
The tragic toll of the riots included the loss of three indigenous Kanak individuals and a 24-year-old police officer, fatally shot during the unrest. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin condemned the officer’s killing, describing the chilling circumstances of his death.
Residents expressed fear and uncertainty in the face of the violence, with some, like Yoan Fleurot, opting to remain indoors during curfew hours for safety. Fleurot, in a remote interview, described the turmoil as deeply troubling, labeling the rioters as “terrorists” and expressing skepticism about the island’s recovery prospects.
New Caledonia, a mineral-rich territory in the southwest Pacific, has long been embroiled in a contentious debate over its political status, with pro-independence movements challenging French rule. Economic disparities exacerbated by the region’s significant nickel mining industry have fueled tensions, according to local residents.
Political factions, including the pro-independence Front de Liberation Nationale Kanak et Socialiste (FLNKS), have condemned the violence while expressing willingness to engage in dialogue towards a peaceful resolution. However, deep-rooted historical grievances and divergent visions for the island’s future continue to pose challenges to reconciliation efforts.
As New Caledonia grapples with the aftermath of the deadly riots, questions linger over the path forward, with calls for inclusive dialogue and a concerted effort to address longstanding grievances.
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