France announced a state of emergency on the Pacific Island of New Caledonia on Wednesday. This decision follows riots sparked by an electoral reform that resulted in the deaths of a police officer and three other individuals. As reported by Reuters, the state of emergency took effect at 5 am local time (1800 GMT). This measure grants authorities increased powers to prohibit gatherings and restrict movement on the French-governed island.
Violence erupted due to a new bill passed by French legislators in Paris on Tuesday. A Reuters report stated that the legislation permits French residents who have resided in New Caledonia for a decade to participate in provincial elections. The Washington Post noted that local leaders and critics fear the bill might marginalize the Indigenous Kanak population and favor pro-French politicians. The National Assembly approved the revision during the night.
French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, as cited by Reuters, declared, “No violence will be tolerated.” He added that the state of emergency “will enable us to deploy extensive resources to restore order.” Attal signed a decree imposing a state of emergency for 12 days. Additionally, he declared that French military forces would be deployed to secure New Caledonia’s primary port and airport, according to Reuters.
During a press briefing on Wednesday, government spokeswoman Prisca Thevenot expressed, “On behalf of the government, I reiterate before you the call for calm and appeasement,” according to the Washington Post. She honored the four individuals who died in the disturbances and urged for “the resumption of political dialogue” to resolve the violence.
