Local authorities say five suspects under house arrest as they move to try and restore calm.
France has declared a state of emergency in New Caledonia, deploying police and military reinforcements to quell unrest sparked by proposed changes to provincial election rules. The violence, resulting in three Kanak deaths and a police officer’s killing, began on Monday and has persisted despite an overnight curfew.
The emergency declaration, granting authorities broad search and arrest powers, took effect on Thursday, with five individuals placed under house arrest as alleged instigators of the disturbances. Over 200 rioters have been detained, and additional law enforcement operations are planned.
Troops are en route from Marseille to secure the closed airport and ports, with the state of emergency set to endure for 12 days.
Controversial reform
Tensions escalated over plans to amend the constitution, allowing long-term New Caledonian residents to vote in provincial elections. Indigenous Kanak concerns about their diminished political status drove the violence, coinciding with the legislative passage of the reform in Paris.
New Caledonia’s history of colonialism and autonomy struggles culminated in the 1998 Noumea Accord, offering increased self-governance and three independence referendums, the most recent in 2021.
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