Rioting has been going on for days in New Caledonia and French President Emmanuel Macron has imposed an extreme state of emergency on the island, French media reported (Updated 11:17 a.m.).
Police clashed with 5,000 protesters in three municipalities on the Paris-ruled island. In the capital Nouméa, about 4,000 people turned out to protest, French High Commissioner Louis Le Franc said at a televised news conference.
Police arrested 200 people for disturbing law and order. Sixty-four gendarmes and police officers were injured in scuffles with protesters, while barricades on roads led to a “dire situation” with food and medical supplies, the high commissioner added.
Emmanuel Macron declared a state of emergency in New Caledonia from 5 a.m. local time (1800 GMT on Wednesday). The imposition of martial law involves banning gatherings and restricting the movement of people around the island.
Police reinforcements have arrived on the island – 500 officers to the 1,800 who are normally present on the island.
Locals about the protests
Nouméa resident Yoan Fleurot told Reuters that he saw mass arson attacks on cars and destruction of property. He said that some shop owners were voluntarily giving away goods from their shelves, begging protesters not to destroy their shops.
Fleurot also added that he was armed with a 16-gauge pistol and has video surveillance around his house. The local resident only went outside during daylight hours to check on property and check on his parents.
He stated that he had been subjected to threats of violence and insults while passing through numerous checkpoints:
I am New Caledonian, but I no longer know my country anymore. Caledonia will have a hard time recovering from this crisis… Everything, 80%, is destroyed.
Barricades with burning cars and tyres are blocking main and secondary roads in Nouméa, French official Le Frank said. He referred to the Field Action Co-ordination Cell (CCAT), which organised the protests that began on Monday:
I am calling on those at the head of the CCAT to stop these actions, which are murderous, deadly actions that can leave families in mourning.
French left-wing spokesman Jean-Luc Mélenchon commented on the situation in New Caledonia on X:
I am utterly saddened by the violence that has engulfed Nouméa and destroyed 40 years of peaceful efforts and aspirations for peaceful decolonisation. My thoughts go out to all the victims and their families. My thoughts are with those who sacrificed so much to avoid a return to this impasse. President Macron, it is time to make gestures that will bring peace. Reaffirm the words of Michel Rocard and François Mitterrand, Tjibaou and Lafleur. There is no other way to peace in Caledonia.
Mass protests have erupted over a new bill passed by French lawmakers on Tuesday. The new bill allows French residents who have lived in New Caledonia for 10 years to vote in provincial elections. However, some local leaders fear the move will dilute the votes of indigenous Kanaks.
The state of emergency is expected to last 12 days. Authorities have also banned the video app TikTok within New Caledonia.
