Authorities in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia have implemented a two-day curfew and banned gatherings following violent unrest on the archipelago. The region has a history of tensions between indigenous Kanaks seeking independence and descendants of colonizers who wish to remain part of France.
The French Interior Ministry has dispatched additional police forces to the island, which is home to a French military base. The airport has been closed, leading to the cancellation of numerous flights and leaving thousands of passengers stranded.
Protests erupted against voting reforms being debated by French lawmakers in Paris, with opponents arguing that the proposed changes would disproportionately benefit pro-France politicians and further marginalize the indigenous Kanak people.
The violence has resulted in 46 security forces being injured and 48 individuals being arrested. The capital, Nouméa, experienced significant disturbances, including damage to surveillance equipment and multiple stores. Schools were closed, and most businesses remained shut as a result of the unrest.
French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has condemned the violence and called for a return to dialogue among all stakeholders regarding the reform proposal. Interior and Overseas Territories Minister Gérald Darmanin has attributed the violence to 'delinquents and sometimes criminals' and announced the deployment of additional gendarmerie squadrons.
New Caledonia, which became French in 1853, has a complex history marked by a peace deal in 1988 and subsequent referendums on independence. While the majority of voters have chosen to remain part of France in recent referendums, pro-independence groups have contested the results.
The situation in New Caledonia remains tense, with clashes between police forces and protesters continuing. Authorities have prohibited gatherings in several municipalities and imposed travel restrictions to maintain public safety.
