France claims success in clamping down on New Caledonia riots
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The local chamber of commerce reveals that up to 90% of the grocery distribution network in the city had been “wiped out” in the riots, with an estimated damage of around $217 million.
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A man stands in front of a burnt car after unrest in Noumea, New Caledonia, Wednesday May 15, 2024. (AP)
New Caledonia's governor confirmed on Friday that the week-long unrest in the country has ceased after an additional 1,000 reinforcements from France were deployed, with High Commissioner Louis Le Franc telling reporters that “a calmer and more peaceful situation” in the capital city of Noumea has been seen for the first time since Monday, despite “fires at a school and two companies.”
AFP reported French troops in red berets with gas masks, riot shields, and rifles in the city as a shopping center was still ablaze and dozens of burned-out cars were on the road.
Meanwhile, the local chamber of commerce revealed that up to 90% of the grocery distribution network in the city had been “wiped out” in the riots, with an estimated damage of around $217 million.
During the unrest for the past week, five people were killed and one gendarme was shot in the head, while another was killed by friendly fire, per French officials. Three locals, ages 17, 20 and 36 were killed and suspects have been identified and taken into custody.
While announcing the troops' deployment and a TikTok ban, French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal claimed the authorities would seek “the harshest penalties for rioters and looters.”
Read more: French Senate leader calls Macron leadership 'disappointing'
The unrest erupted after France's national assembly approved contentious changes to voting rolls, which indigenous Kanak leaders argue will undermine their voting rights.
Despite the implementation of security forces and a nighttime curfew, the violence has persisted, marking the most significant upheaval in New Caledonia since the 1980s.
TikTok was banned for allegedly being used to organize the riots, a decision the company called “regrettable”, saying that “no request or question, no demand to withdraw content, had been made by local authorities or the French government.”
Just two days ago, France leveled accusations against Azerbaijan, alleging "interference" in the political affairs of the Pacific territory. Azerbaijan promptly refuted the claim made by French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin in which he accused Baku of escalating tensions between France and the oil-rich Caspian Sea nation.
