The recent unrest in New Caledonia, following France's controversial reforms to the territory's voting regulations, has taken a deadly turn which is the most severe in over three decades. At least four people have been killed till now.
Among them were three young indigenous Kanak who died during the riots, and a police official who died from a gunshot wound. Reports indicate that over 130 individuals have been arrested, and more than 300 have been injured since in this violent protests.
French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, said "Since the start of the week, New Caledonia has been hit by violence of a rare intensity.”
State of Emergency to be declared
French President Emmanuel Macron called for a defence and national security council meeting to discuss the riots, leading to the cancellation of a scheduled trip to a French region. The French government is considering implementing a state of emergency in New Caledonia to address the escalating violence.
The decision of state emergency will grant authorities additional powers to restrict gatherings and limit movement on the French-controlled island.
French President Macron’s office will issue a decree declaring a state of emergency in the territory after a cabinet meeting in Paris.
"The president has requested that the decree aimed at declaring a state of emergency in New Caledonia be included on the agenda" of a cabinet meeting this afternoon, the Elysée Palace said in a statement.
“All violence is intolerable and will be the subject of an unyielding response to ensure the return of republican order,” the presidency said.
Speaking at parliament, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, after a two-hour meeting with top ministers at the Elysee, said the state of emergency will “restore order in the shortest time possible.”
"No violence will be tolerated," PM Attal said, adding that the state of emergency "will allow us to roll out massive means to restore order."
Announcing the latest death, French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said order will be restored in the French Pacific island.
"Nothing, absolutely nothing justifies violence. Public order will be restored," Darmanin said.
#BREAKING: DOZENS OF FLIGHTS & SCHOOLS CANCELED IN NEW CALEDONIA AMID UNREST
Dozens of flights to and from New Caledonia (France) canceled after a night of unrest.
Clashes between police and protesters erupted over a proposed constitutional amendment by mainland France.… pic.twitter.com/qQcgbxbsOG— Genius Bot X (@GeniusBotX) May 14, 2024
About the Riot
Young protesters wearing masks or hoods intensified their demonstrations against proposed changes to voter eligibility by taking over multiple roundabouts and clashing with police. Reports from Noumea and the commune of Paita indicate several exchanges of gunfire between civil defence groups and rioters.
French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin stated that hundreds of people, including approximately 100 gendarmes, have been injured in the unrest.
According to reports, about 30 businesses and locations in and around Noumea were set on fire, and firefighters had to deal with about 200 fires. Many buildings and cars were also set on fire. Incidents of looting and vandalism are also reported.
The curfew has been imposed on Tuesday, Schools and other institutions are closed for the next few days and Classes will remain suspended until further notice. International flights have been halted from the airport, as the main airport is closed.
However, a heavy presence of armed security forces in Noumea, the capital, and the implementation of a nighttime curfew, rioting continued throughout the night with little interruption. The curfew has been extended until Thursday night, according to Butler.
French authorities in the territory reported over 130 arrests and more than 300 injuries since Monday, stating that several dozen rioters have been taken into custody and will face legal proceedings.
Pro-independence leader Daniel Goa urged the youths to disperse, condemning the looting but acknowledging their determination to resist French control.
The French High Commission of the Republic in New Caledonia described the ongoing disturbances as serious public unrest, condemning widespread looting and setting of businesses and public property, including schools on fire.
But why have Riots Erupted in New Caledonia?
A controversial bill was passed by the French lawmakers which granted residents coming from mainland France who have lived on the island for 10 years, the ability to vote in provincial elections.
New Caledonia, a territory in the Pacific, was annexed by France in 1853. Movements and unrest are not new to the territory. It has been shaken by pro-independence movements for decades, as Indigenous Kanaks support independence but the descendants of colonists are in favour of keeping close ties with France. Already three referendums for independence have been rejected, but support for Independence is still very prominent especially among the Indigenous Kanak people.
The controversy surrounding voting rights originated with the 1998 Noumea Accord, in which France promised to give New Caledonia more political authority. The out-of-date voter lists, which have been inactive since 1998, have grown contentious.
On one hand, the French government considers it "absurd" that one-fifth of the population is not allowed to vote, and this reform will ‘democratise’ elections.
But on the other hand, separatists are concerned that adding voters on lists will give preference to pro-France politicians and lessen the influence of the Kanaks.
However, President Macron's government has shown willingness to engage in dialogue, inviting both pro and anti-independence camps to Paris for talks on the future of the island. The major pro-independence political group, FLNKS, has condemned the violence and expressed readiness to work towards an agreement that respects New Caledonia's path towards emancipation.
Photo Credit: Multiple Sources
(Inputs from Al Jazeera/France24/AP News)
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