New Caledonia, a remote French overseas territory in the Pacific Ocean, is facing another night of fires, looting, and violence. This has left its inhabitants terrified and feeling like they are living in a civil war. The situation has escalated into deadly riots due to protests over changes to voting laws. Pro-independence supporters fear that this change will dilute the vote of the indigenous Kanak people.
The conflict has amplified the unrest in New Caledonia, with residents trapped in their homes afraid to venture out due to clashes between Kanak youth and security forces. The once paradisiacal island is now engulfed in curfews, burning vehicles, looting, and fear. Supermarkets have been looted, leaving many families desperate for essential supplies.
The French government has responded by declaring a state of emergency and deploying 3,000 security forces to secure access to airports and ports. Tragically, five people have lost their lives during these events, including a gendarme due to friendly fire. The Interior Minister has clarified that while the military will assist in health matters, it is primarily the job of gendarmes and police to pacify the archipelago.
French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal described the situation as very tense prompting the sending of a thousand new law enforcement troops to bolster the existing 2700 forces on the ground. Despite these efforts residents feel anxious about their future with evacuations being considered as a last resort amidst chaos.
In conclusion, New Caledonia’s recent events have left its inhabitants feeling trapped in fear with no end in sight yet as they grapple with the aftermath of violence that has shaken them to their core.
