France deploys troops in New Caledonia as protests leave four dead
2 Min Read
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.
-
Law enforcers are transporting a constable who got injured during the protests in New Caledonia, May 15, 2024 (Social media)
France has dispatched troops to defend ports and the international airport in its Pacific territory of New Caledonia following two nights of violent-turned protests that resulted in four fatalities and hundreds injured.
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.
Reports indicate widespread looting of shops and arson attacks on public buildings, resulting in numerous casualties, including around 100 police and gendarmes.
Pictures have circulated all over social media showing French men targeting Kanak protesters with firearms.
En Kanaky, les milices coloniales sortent dans la rue. Deux Kanaks ont étés tués et l'État d'urgence devrait être instauré dans les prochaines heures. Il est de nôtre devoir de soutenir depuis l'hexagone la lutte légitime du peuple Kanak. pic.twitter.com/NgMWL0XVmQ
— Cem Yoldas (@CemYoldass) May 15, 2024
While New Caledonia has twice rejected independence in referendums, support for sovereignty remains strong among the indigenous Kanak population.
French President Emmanuel Macron has called for renewed political dialogue amid the crisis. However, the government has imposed a state of emergency, effective Thursday, to restore order, with troops deployed to secure key infrastructure.
Read more: Bidding farewell to French colonialism, Niger ditches national anthem
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announced the deployment of additional security measures, including a ban on TikTok.
The government's primary objective is to quell unrest and facilitate dialogue, he stated.
Gabriel Attal annonce le déploiement de l'armée en Nouvelle-Calédonie pour sécuriser les ports, les aéroports ainsi que la fermeture de TIKTOK. pic.twitter.com/HqtY1gRMUO
— FranceUnie PhdeVilliers 🇫🇷 (@FrPhdeVilliers) May 15, 2024
Under the state of emergency, authorities are empowered to enforce travel restrictions, house arrests, and conduct searches.
In response to the unrest, nearly 1,800 law enforcement officers have been mobilized, with an additional 500 reinforcements expected.
Macron canceled a scheduled trip to convene an emergency meeting and address the situation in New Caledonia.
