French President Emmanuel Macron has announced the suspension of controversial voting reforms in New Caledonia following a recent wave of deadly unrest in the French Pacific territory. The proposed reforms, which aimed to alter voting rights, have sparked fear and concern among the Indigenous Kanak people, who believe that the changes would further marginalize them. This issue has led to the worst violence seen in the archipelago in decades.
The violence erupted on May 13 in response to the French government's attempts to amend the Constitution and modify voting lists in New Caledonia. In light of the escalating situation, France declared a state of emergency in the Pacific territory on May 15 and deployed additional troops to assist local law enforcement in restoring order. The unrest included shootings, clashes, looting, and arson.
Both factions in New Caledonia's longstanding divide – the Indigenous Kanaks advocating for independence and those loyal to France – resorted to erecting barricades. Pro-independence demonstrators constructed barricades using burnt vehicles and debris, effectively creating no-go zones in parts of the capital, Noumea.
President Macron announced the suspension of the constitutional bill related to New Caledonia to facilitate dialogue and restore peace on the ground. He emphasized the need to eliminate ambiguity during this critical period. The French Justice Ministry confirmed the death of a 34-year-old man on June 11, who had sustained injuries during a confrontation with the police on May 29. An autopsy has been ordered, and an investigation into the use of force by the gendarme involved is currently underway.
Louis Mapou, the president of New Caledonia's government, extended his condolences and urged for the immediate removal of barricades to ensure a return to peace. The French government has extended an overnight curfew across the archipelago until June 17 to maintain public safety and order.
