Devendra Kumar
A state of emergency has been imposed in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia after a surge in violent incidents following protests over voting reforms supported by the French government in Paris. The reforms, which would allow residents who have lived in New Caledonia for 10 years to vote in provincial elections, have been met with fierce resistance from independence supporters, who claim the change would further marginalize the Kanak community, which makes up about 40% of the population.
French authorities have deployed around 1,000 additional security forces to the territory, which has a population of approximately 270,000 people, with a curfew in effect from 6 pm to 6 am. The French military has been deployed to protect ports and airports and free up police troops. High Commissioner Louis Le Franc announced that curfew violations would result in penalties of up to six months in prison and a fine.
The violence has resulted in the deaths of five people, including two police officers, and the injury of 60 members of the security forces. About 214 people have been arrested over clashes with police, arson, and looting. Two members of the indigenous Kanak community were among those killed.
The Pacific island group, known for its Unesco World Heritage atolls and reefs, has a complex history of colonialism and decades-long tensions between the Kanaks and the descendants of colonists who want it to remain part of France. The Kanaks seek independence, and the French authorities have imposed strict measures to quell the unrest.
Despite a measure of calm, violence continues in some areas, with fires set at a school and two businesses on Thursday night. Hundreds of extra military and police have arrived in the territory, where roads are littered with debris and armoured vehicles patrol the streets. The recent outbreak of violence is the worst to hit New Caledonia since the 1980s.
A representative from the hospital in Noumea expressed concern over the deteriorating situation, worsened by roadblocks in the city, which may have resulted in the deaths of three or four people due to lack of access to medical care. The hospital’s operating rooms are running around the clock, and staff are exhausted.
The situation remains volatile, with nightly gunshot wounds and a significant decline in emergency room visits. The French government has indicated that it will push for the “harshest penalties for rioters and looters” and has banned TikTok, which it claims was being used by protesters.