Paris has declared a state of emergency in New Caledonia Caledonia because of the violence that engulfed the French overseas territory, the office of President Emmanuel Macron announced after a crisis meeting of the cabinet, quoted by BTA.
The Ministry of the Interior has announced that a total of 500 French National Police and Gendarmerie officers have already left or are due to leave today for New Caledonia. The reinforcements also include special anti-riot units, adds Reuters.
At least three people were killed and hundreds injured in the unrest that erupted after the French parliament approved controversial reforms related to the conduct of elections in the Pacific archipelago. The decision of Paris angered the supporters of the independence of New Caledonia, DPA recalls.
In a statement issued today by the Elysée Palace, it is said that acts of violence will not be tolerated and the state will take tough measures to restore order, the text also reads.
French media reported the death toll in the unrest, citing New Caledonia's High Commissioner Louis Le Franc. Earlier today, the High Commissioner said that over 130 people were arrested during the second night of protests, looting and vandalism.
The riots erupted on Monday as France debated a bill that would give thousands of French citizens the right to vote in the territory's local elections. The movement that supports the independence of New Caledonia fears that these changes will weaken the political influence of representatives of the indigenous population. The Parliament in Paris adopted the reform with 351 votes "for" at 153 "against".
French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanen said today, quoted by Reuters, that a police officer had died after being shot. "Nothing, absolutely nothing justifies violence. Public order will be restored", the minister wrote on the social network "X".
Darmanen also told Er Te El television that one of the deaths was caused by a bullet that was not fired by a police officer. The exact circumstances must be clarified, added Darmanen. At the time of his statement, there was still no information on the other deaths, DPA noted. Demonstrators attacked police stations with axes and heavy ammunition, many buildings were set on fire, including schools, and law enforcement foiled a prison break plan in the capital Noumea, the French interior minister said.
A curfew has already been imposed at night and people are asked to limit their movement during the day. In addition, bans have been imposed on gatherings, the sale of alcohol and the carrying of weapons. The airport is closed.
New Caledonia is important to France geopolitically and militarily. In addition, there are nickel deposits on the archipelago, which is about 1,200 km east of Australia. The territory, which has a population of 270,000 people, was granted broad autonomy through the so-called Noumea Agreement.
In each of the three independence referendums held in 2018, 2020 and 2021, New Caledonians voted to remain part of France. However, the independence movement boycotted the last poll and announced that it would not recognize the results.