AMN
France has declared a state of emergency on the Pacific archipelago of New Caledonia after violent protests flared up against electoral reforms killing one police officer and three others. New Caledonia is a French overseas territory located hundreds of miles off Australia’s eastern coast. The violence is the latest flash point in long-running tensions over Paris’ role in the archipelago.
The unrest began on Monday as French lawmakers prepared to vote on a decision to expand voting rights in the territory. However, critics argue that this could marginalize the Indigenous Kanak population and benefit pro-French politicians. The National Assembly adopted the revision overnight. But, for the legislation to become a law, both chambers of parliament still must vote a final time.
The French authorities informed that at least 130 people had been arrested. They also reported numerous incidents of arson and looting against businesses, infrastructure, and public buildings. There are also reports of an attempted ‘prison break’.
The French government has announced deployment of additional police officers as reinforcements. Authorities also imposed an overnight curfew and banned gatherings in the capital, Noumea. New Caledonia’s La Tontouta International Airport is closed to commercial flights.