Violence has erupted in New Caledonia for the third consecutive day, following the imposition of a state of emergency by France in the French Pacific territory. The state of emergency has granted increased powers to security forces in an effort to quell the deadly unrest that has gripped the archipelago.
Reports from French authorities indicate that four individuals, including a police officer, have lost their lives in the violence that ensued after protests over voting reforms turned deadly earlier this week. Additionally, at least 60 members of the security forces sustained injuries, and 214 individuals were arrested during clashes with police, incidents of arson, and looting.
French Interior and Overseas Territories Minister confirmed that two members of the island's Indigenous Kanak community were among the deceased. The French government has vowed to restore order, with the state of emergency set to remain in effect for at least 12 days.
French military forces are being deployed to safeguard ports and airports and bolster security efforts to contain the violence. A curfew has been extended until Friday morning, with emergency powers enabling authorities to take stringent measures to address the unrest, including house detention for individuals deemed a threat to public order, expanded search and seizure powers, and restrictions on movements.
New Caledonia, a Pacific island with a population of approximately 270,000, has long been a site of tension between the Indigenous Kanaks seeking independence and the descendants of colonizers who wish to maintain ties with France. The island, which became French in 1853 under Emperor Napoleon III, has a complex history that includes serving as a French prison colony.
While New Caledonia is renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage atolls and reefs, underlying tensions have persisted for decades. The current unrest reflects the ongoing struggle between those advocating for independence and those who support continued ties with France. The situation remains fluid as authorities work to restore calm and stability to the troubled archipelago.
