In the latest update, France declared a state of emergency in New Caledonia on Wednesday after violent protests flared up against electoral reforms killing one police officer and three others. New Caledonia is a French overseas located hundreds of miles off Australia’s eastern coast.
The move comes amidst escalating tensions over issues including economic disparities, political representation, and cultural identity. The violence is considered the worst in decades.
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Official Statement
“On behalf of the government, I reiterate before you the call for calm and appeasement,” government spokeswoman Prisca Thenvot said Wednesday at a news briefing following a ministerial meeting.
The state of emergency came into effect at 8 pm (Paris time) on Wednesday and 5 am in Noumea, the island’s capital.
🔴📹 France has deployed army personnel at ports and the airport in New Caledonia, after banning TikTok and declaring a state of emergency, amid widespread riots.@aussiecossack pic.twitter.com/DbwABoOsS4
— Mete Sohtaoğlu (@metesohtaoglu) May 15, 2024
President’s Reaction
“All violence is intolerable and will be subject of a relentless response to ensure the return of order”, a statement released by French President Emmanuel Macron’s office on Wednesday.
“Strong emotion upon learning of the death of one of our gendarmes from the Melun squadron in New Caledonia. The Nation thinks of its family, of its loved ones, of all its brothers in arms whose commitment to protecting us commands respect,” he had tweeted earlier.
Vive émotion en apprenant la mort d’un de nos gendarmes de l’escadron de Melun en Nouvelle-Calédonie.
La Nation pense à sa famille, à ses proches, à tous ses frères d’armes dont l’engagement pour nous protéger force le respect.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) May 15, 2024
Reacting to the violent protest, French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said, “Since the start of the week, New Caledonia has been hit by violence of a rare intensity”.
The unrest began on Monday as the French lawmakers prepared to vote on a decision to expand voting rights in the territory. The National Assembly adopted the revision overnight. Kanak people who make up about 40 percent of the territory’s 3,00,000-strong population have sought independence long back, but the descendants of European colonisers wish to remain part of France, according to a Washington report.
Under the 1998 Nouma Acord, voting was restricted to Kankas and individuals before 1998. However, the new constitutional measure will allow anyone who has been a resident of New Caledonia for 10 years to vote in local elections diluting the power of Kanaks.
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The French commission informed on Wednesday that at least 130 people had been arrested. They have also reported “numerous” incidents of arson and looting against businesses, infrastructure, and public buildings. The French government has taken precautionary measures, by deployment of additional police officers and gendarmes as reinforcements.
About Author
This article has been written by Ms Vijaya Pramodini SK, an aspiring journalist, who is currently dedicated to her studies in Journalism and communication. With a keen eye for authenticity, she strives to uncover and present the real facts, embodying the principles of ethical journalism.
