Paris, France – May 16, 2024: France has declared a state of emergency in its Pacific territory of New Caledonia following violent clashes that erupted after protests over voting reforms. The unrest, which began on Monday, has resulted in the deaths of four people, including a gendarme, and left more than 300 injured.
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announced the emergency measures, which came into effect at 8 p.m. Paris time (5 a.m. Thursday in New Caledonia). The decision aims to restore order by granting security forces enhanced powers to conduct searches, seize weapons, restrict movements, and detain individuals deemed threats to public order.
“Nothing can ever justify violence,” Attal stated. “Our absolute priority for the next few hours is the return to order and calm.”
The violence was sparked by indigenous Kanak protests against changes to the voter list, which they argue favor pro-France politicians. The National Assembly’s recent approval of a bill allowing residents who have lived in New Caledonia for 10 years to vote in provincial elections has exacerbated long-standing tensions between the indigenous Kanaks seeking independence and descendants of colonizers who wish to remain part of France.
The French government has responded by deploying military forces to protect key infrastructure such as ports and airports. Additionally, 500 police reinforcements are being rushed to the archipelago to join the 1,800 officers already on the ground.
The unrest has transformed parts of New Caledonia into what residents describe as a “real urban guerrilla war.” Anne Clément, a resident of the capital, Noumea, spoke to France Info about the terrifying situation. “We’ve stopped eating, we’ve stopped living, we’ve stopped sleeping,” she said. “I don’t see how we could get out of the situation without the state of emergency.”
New Caledonia has a history of tension and conflict between the Kanak people and settlers. This week’s violence is the most severe since the 1985 imposition of emergency measures in the territory. The current unrest comes as French lawmakers debate constitutional amendments related to New Caledonia’s voter registration, seen by many Kanaks as a move to marginalize their influence further.
President Emmanuel Macron, following a security meeting with top ministers, emphasized the need for political dialogue and called for an immediate end to the violence. “We have to continue to live together,” read a joint statement from rival political parties in New Caledonia, urging for calm.
High Commissioner Louis Le Franc warned of the possibility of “many deaths” if order is not restored. With schools and the main airport closed, and an overnight curfew extended, the situation remains tense. Residents in Noumea and surrounding areas have formed self-defense groups to protect their properties.
The emergency in New Caledonia underscores the fragile balance between the desire for independence among the indigenous population and the strategic interests of France. The territory, French since 1853, has seen repeated referendums on independence, all of which resulted in a majority favoring continued association with France, despite a boycott by pro-independence groups in the most recent vote.
As New Caledonia grapples with the current crisis, the hope is for a peaceful resolution that respects the aspirations and security of all its residents.
