Noumea, New Caledonia – May 16, 2024: France declared a state of emergency on Wednesday in its Pacific territory of New Caledonia after violent riots over electoral reform led to the deaths of three young indigenous Kanaks and a police official. The unrest erupted following the adoption of a new bill by French lawmakers in Paris on Tuesday, allowing residents who have lived in New Caledonia for ten years to vote in provincial elections—a move feared to dilute the Kanak vote.
The state of emergency grants authorities additional powers to ban gatherings and restrict movement on the French-ruled island. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal emphasized the necessity of these measures to restore order, stating, “Since the start of the week, New Caledonia has been hit by violence of a rare intensity. No violence will be tolerated.”
The unrest has seen rioters torching vehicles and businesses, looting stores, and creating widespread fear among residents. Schools have been shut, and a curfew is in place in the capital, Noumea. Despite the efforts of police, who have been outnumbered by protesters, the situation remains dire. Additional police reinforcements have been dispatched, with more expected to arrive soon.
Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin confirmed the death of a 24-year-old police official, who was shot in the head while attempting to speak to residents. The violence has left the community terrorized, with some residents forming armed groups to protect their homes.
Lilou Garrido Navarro Kherachi, a 19-year-old resident, described the chaos in Noumea, recounting gunfire, burning cars, and buildings, including a veterinary clinic that had to be evacuated before it was set ablaze. “Residents are terrorized, armed, and organizing themselves to make the rounds tonight and protect their homes,” she said.
The French government’s decision to change voting rules has become the latest flashpoint in the long-standing struggle between pro-independence Kanaks and loyalists who wish to remain part of France. New Caledonia, a significant player in the global nickel market and a region marked by economic disparities, has a history of pro-independence movements dating back to its annexation by France in 1853.
Henri, a 30-year-old hotel worker in Noumea, highlighted the deep economic and social divides, blaming politicians for exacerbating tensions. “Politicians have a huge share of responsibility. Loyalist politicians, who are descendants of colonialists, say colonization is over, but Kanak politicians don’t agree. There are huge economic disparities,” he said, noting significant looting and a particularly dangerous situation at night.
While the French government asserts that the electoral reform is necessary for democratic elections, it has also invited both pro- and anti-independence groups to Paris for talks on the island’s future. The major pro-independence political group, the Front de Liberation Nationale Kanak et Socialiste (FLNKS), condemned the violence but expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with French authorities.
As New Caledonia grapples with this crisis, most residents are staying indoors, hoping for a return to peace. Garrido Navarro Kherachi, who moved to New Caledonia at the age of eight and is eligible to vote under the new rules, chose not to vote out of respect for the Kanak people. “I don’t feel I know enough about the history of Caledonia and the struggle of the Kanak people to allow me to vote,” she said.
The situation in New Caledonia remains volatile, with the state of emergency in place for at least 12 days as authorities work to restore order and address the deep-rooted issues fueling the unrest.
