France Declares State of Emergency as Unrest in New Caledonia Leaves 4 Dead
The pro-independence group, led by socialists, expressed their willingness to collaborate with the government to achieve their goal of emancipation.
In the midst of ongoing riots in the small Pacific state of New Caledonia, four reported deaths have escalated the situation.
Violence has escalated beyond clashes between pro-independence protesters and French police, now involving confrontations with pro-French civilian groups.
The escalating turmoil has led to power outages, unreliable internet service, water pipe damage in the La Coulée district, inoperative public transport and taxis, limited food supplies in hotels, and clashes at roadblocks.
With more than 130 arrests, concerns arise about prison capacity to accommodate them.
Rioters have engaged in arson, looting, leading to school and government office closures, and imposition of a curfew in the capital.
France has declared a 12-day state of emergency, granting authorities powers to restrict movements and gatherings.
The social media app TikTok has been banned, as it was allegedly used to organize riots in mainland France last summer.
French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has assured a crackdown on violence under the state of emergency, with reinforcements of security forces and deployment of soldiers at key locations.
President Louis Mapou of New Caledonia has called for calm and stability amidst the chaos.
The riots erupted over a new law permitting French residents in New Caledonia to vote in provincial elections after 10 years, a move criticized for potentially diluting the indigenous Kanak vote.
Invitations for dialogue have been extended by the government to pro- and anti-independence leaders, with the possibility of suspending the law.
The pro-independence Front de Liberation Nationale Kanak et Socialiste has denounced violence and agreed to dialogue if it aligns with their pursuit of emancipation.
The unrest has resulted in four confirmed deaths, including young indigenous Kanak individuals, with reports of injuries and a miscarriage due to blockades obstructing medical assistance.
Foreign nationals are advised to exercise caution by the Australian consulate-general in Nouméa amidst escalating tensions, reminiscent of the civil war between 1984 and 1988 over independence struggles.
