Amid ongoing unrest in the Pacific territory of New Caledonia, the French government has announced plans to deploy troops to secure ports and the main airport. The decision comes in response to clashes that erupted following support from lawmakers in Paris for changes to voting rolls, which the indigenous population argue will diminish their political influence. At least four individuals, including a police officer, have lost their lives in the violence.
Following a crisis meeting, French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announced measures aimed at restoring calm, including a ban on TikTok and the implementation of a new curfew. President Emmanuel Macron has declared a state of emergency, emphasizing a firm response to the violence.
The unrest was sparked by proposed changes in Paris that would grant voting rights to French residents who have resided in the territory for a decade. These changes were subsequently approved by the French parliament. The situation has escalated with reports of looting, arson targeting public buildings, and numerous injuries, including around 100 police and gendarmes, as reported by French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin.
“Soldiers have been deployed to secure ports and the airport in New Caledonia,” Attal told a crisis ministerial meeting in Paris on Wednesday.
The representative of central government in the territory, Louis Le Franc, has “declared a curfew and banned TikTok”, Attal said.
The unrest in New Caledonia began following proposals from lawmakers in Paris to grant voting rights to French residents who have resided in the territory for a decade. These proposed changes were officially approved by the French parliament on Wednesday morning.
As a result of the unrest, there have been reports of looting in shops and the torching of public buildings. The situation has led to numerous injuries, including around 100 police officers and gendarmes, according to French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin.
“Soldiers have been deployed to secure ports and the airport in New Caledonia,” Attal told a crisis ministerial meeting in Paris on Wednesday.
The representative of central government in the territory, Louis Le Franc, has “declared a curfew and banned TikTok”, Attal said.
