Devendra Kumar
French security forces have reported another death in armed clashes in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia, bringing the total death toll to six in nearly a week of violent unrest. The latest fatality occurred in an exchange of fire at one of the many impromptu barricades blocking roads on the island, said a security official. Two other people were seriously injured in the clash, with one of the injured being the son of the killed man, according to Le Monde and other French news outlets. The official confirmed that the firefight erupted at a blockade in the north of the main island, at Kaala-Gomen.
The violence erupted on Monday after protests over voting reforms opposed by pro-independence supporters who have long sought to break free from France. Armed clashes, looting, and arson have turned parts of the capital, Noumea, into no-go zones, leaving a vast trail of destruction. Charred hulks of burned-out cars litter roads, businesses, and shops have been ransacked, and buildings have been turned into smoking ruins, with fires sending billowing clouds of smoke into the South Pacific skies.
Despite a state of emergency imposed on the archipelago by the government in Paris and hundreds of reinforcements for security services that lost control of some neighborhoods, residents say violence continues to make venturing out perilous. Protesters have blocked roads with barricades, as have residents banding together to protect their homes, neighborhoods, and livelihoods.
Noumea’s mayor, Sonia Lagarde, said that while overnight violence has eased somewhat, with a 6pm to 6am curfew in effect, “we are far from a return to normal”. She described the situation as “under siege”, with “incredible” damage and a “spectacle of desolation”.
The state of emergency gives authorities greater powers to tackle violent protesters, including the possibility of house detention for people deemed a threat to public order and expanded powers to conduct searches, seize weapons, and restrict movements, with possible jail time for violators. The last time France imposed such measures on one of its overseas territories was in 1985, also in New Caledonia, the Interior Ministry said.
The violence has prompted Prime Minister Gabriel Attal to take New Caledonia off the globe-trotting itinerary of the Olympic flame, which was scheduled to visit the archipelago on June 11. The prime minister’s decision was made due to the extreme burden on the security forces, who are extremely busy and tired, according to the French minister for overseas territories, Marie Guevenoux.
Tensions have been simmering in New Caledonia for decades between Indigenous Kanaks seeking independence and descendants of colonizers who want to remain part of France. The unrest erupted as the French legislature in Paris debated amending the French constitution to make changes to voter lists in New Caledonia. The National Assembly approved a bill on Wednesday that will, among other changes, allow residents who have lived in New Caledonia for 10 years to cast ballots in provincial elections. Opponents say the measure will benefit pro-France politicians in New Caledonia and further marginalize indigenous Kanak people.