Overseas territory on fire
60 injured in serious unrest in New Caledonia
There have been serious riots in the French overseas territory of New Caledonia for three days. At least three people have been killed and several hundred injured in the violent protests. The demonstrators are demanding their own state and thus independence from France.
The separatists are furious about a planned constitutional reform by the government in Paris. This provides for thousands of French voters in the island state to be given the right to vote and more political influence in France. President Emmanuel Macron invited the government of New Caledonia to a meeting in Paris at the end of May.
The overseas territory in the South Pacific is around 17,000 kilometers away from France, but is particularly important geopolitically, militarily and because of its nickel deposits. The inhabitants voted in three referendums (2018, 2020 and 2021) to remain part of France (see video above). However, the independence movement announced that it would not accept the result. Aboriginal people in particular have long hoped for their own state.
Curfew imposed
In the past two days, supporters have protested violently. At least three people were killed. One person was killed by a bullet, although the exact circumstances have yet to be clarified. There was initially no information on the second fatality.
Several hundred people were also injured, including many security forces who were attacked with axes and heavy ammunition. More than a hundred people were arrested. A curfew is in force until Thursday morning. The main airport La Tontouta, schools and public service providers will remain closed until further notice. Long queues have formed outside many stores as people fear shortages of food and other items.
Darmanin calls for "absolute calm"
In the capital Nouméa, numerous cars and buildings were set on fire, causing severe air pollution. Around 270,000 people live in New Caledonia, which gained extensive autonomy in 1998. Since the last vote to remain part of France, the fronts have hardened.
"There must be no violence in a democracy. There must be absolute calm," said France's Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin. Following a crisis meeting, the government declared a state of emergency. This makes it easier to impose curfews and bans on demonstrations and gives the police and judiciary more powers than usual.
The violence is intolerable and order must be restored, said French President Emmanuel Macron.
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