New Caledonia Enacts State of Emergency Following Fatal Riots
In an attempt to end days of unrest over the French government’s move to change the rules on provincial elections, France has declared a state of emergency in its Pacific Islands territory of New Caledonia and deployed police and military reinforcements.
Three Indigenous Kanak people and a police officer have been killed in violence that erupted on Monday night and has continued despite an overnight curfew. Hundreds have been injured.
The state of emergency, which began at 5am on Thursday, grants authorities extensive powers for search and arrest.
According to the office of the high commissioner representing the French state in New Caledonia, five individuals suspected of inciting violence have been placed under house arrest, with more searches planned. Over 200 individuals involved in the disturbances have been detained.
Authorities are committed to swiftly restoring public order and safeguarding the population. David Guyenne, president of the New Caledonia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, expressed that the protests caught the island off guard, severely impacting the local economy.
He views the state of emergency as a necessary measure, attributing the unrest to manipulation or encouragement by pro-independence politicians, resulting in uncontrollable rioting.
Military reinforcements were on their way from Marseille to help secure New Caledonia’s international airport, which has been closed since the start of the week, as well as its ports.
The state of emergency will remain in force for 12 days.
France expects to regain control of the situation “in the coming hours”, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin told France 2 television on Thursday
