Emergency declared in New Caledonia demanding independence from France
France on Wednesday imposed a 12-day state of emergency in New Caledonia, an island in the Pacific Ocean, after violence erupted. French Prime Minister Attal told parliament in Paris that the aim of imposing the emergency was to restore law and order as quickly as possible. The French interior ministry said such measures were last imposed in 1985. The French government has called for an end to the violence.
People in New Caledonia demanding independence from France
People in New Caledonia demanding independence from France. French authorities said four people, including a paramilitary personnel, were killed and more than 300 people were injured in armed clashes and other violence on Monday in protest against voting reforms. Rioters set cars on fire and looted shops. More than 130 arrests have been made so far.
French military forces deployed for security
French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal declared a state of emergency at 5 am on Thursday New Caledonia time. He said that French military forces are being deployed to protect ports and airports. According to news agency Reuters, 10 people have been placed under house arrest. TikTok has been banned.
Large numbers of military personnel deployed
The Home Ministry said 1,800 policemen and paramilitary personnel are already present on the archipelago. 500 additional personnel are expected to arrive within a few hours. The top French official in the region, High Commissioner Louis Le Franc, warned that the situation is very serious. If peace is not restored, many people are likely to die.
Protesting against voting reforms
French Home Minister Gerald Darmanin posted on X that a police station was among the dozens of places attacked and fired upon. A paramilitary personnel has also died. The French government says it has always been ready for talks. People in New Caledonia are protesting against voting reforms. This week’s unrest erupted when the French parliament in Paris began debating an amendment to the French constitution to change voter lists in New Caledonia.
The National Assembly on Wednesday approved a bill that, among other changes, would allow residents who have lived in New Caledonia for 10 years to vote in provincial elections. People fear this would marginalise indigenous people.
