New Caledonia experienced a night of chaos as several buildings, including a police station and town hall, were set on fire in the French Pacific territory. The High Commission reported widespread unrest with attacks on police, arson, and roadblocks across the mainland and on the islands of Pins and Mare.
The unrest in New Caledonia stemmed from Indigenous Kanak people’s fears of an electoral reform plan that could leave them in a permanent minority, diminishing hopes for independence. The violence in mid-May claimed nine lives and caused over €1.5 billion in damages.
To quell the situation, the French government deployed over 3,000 troops and police to the distant territory. The High Commission noted fires being extinguished in Ducos and Magenta, with incidents of police stations and vehicles being targeted for arson in Noumea.
Despite efforts to contain the unrest, clashes between police and separatists continued in Bourail, leading to injuries. The High Commission also reported abuses and destruction in Paita, prompting the closure of many schools due to safety concerns.
Seven independence activists were indicted in connection to the riots and transferred to mainland France for pre-trial detention, underscoring the ongoing tensions in New Caledonia.