Riots in French Territory over voting rights angering Kanaks

Rioting in French Overseas Territory over voting rights diluting indigenous Kanaks influence

Some 200 often armed youths seemed to be leading the violence targeting police with warnings officers would eventually be forced to return fire unless this ceased.

The French Overseas Territory of New Caledonia faced violent protests and rioting in the capital Noumea, prompting the government to appeal to security forces and impose a 12-hour curfew. The unrest was triggered by proposed changes to the voting system that would enable migrants to vote, potentially diluting the influence of the indigenous Kanak people and their independence movement.

The disturbances led to the closure of the international airport, a ban on public gatherings, and the arrest of 36 individuals. The French government aims to update a 1998 Noumea deal to expand voting rights, sparking tensions with independence supporters. President Louis Mapou, New Caledonia’s first pro-independence Kanak leader, seeks greater sovereignty despite recent referendums favoring remaining a French territory.

The debate over voting rights highlights the complex history and political dynamics in New Caledonia, as France navigates towards a revised constitutional status for the territory under President Emmanuel Macron’s leadership.