6 months ago
29
NEW DELHI:
French security forces
are intensifying efforts to regain control over New Caledonia, a French Pacific archipelago, amid ongoing and
deadly unrest
. Using armored vehicles and
construction equipment
, they have cleared nearly 60 barricades on the crucial RT1 highway connecting the capital, Nouméa, to the international airport, La Tontouta. Over 600 gendarmes have been deployed in this major operation, aimed at reopening the airport to commercial flights and restoring supply chains disrupted by the violence.
The French High Commission in New Caledonia reported a relatively calmer night from Saturday to Sunday but still noted
incidents of arson
and looting.
Authorities have imposed a state of emergency, a nightly curfew from 6 pm to 6 am, and granted security forces emergency powers, including house detention for those
deemed threats
and expanded search and seizure capabilities.
After six nights of violence that have left six dead and hundreds injured, French government high commissioner Louis Le Franc warned in a televised address that new raids on independence strongholds would be staged.
"Republican order will be re-established whatever the cost," Le Franc said, adding that if separatists "want to use their arms, they will be risking the worst".
French interior minister Gérald Darmanin, in a statement on social media platform X, affirmed the government's commitment to fully regaining control of the highway and stabilizing the region. The airport's closure since Tuesday has left thousands of tourists stranded, and the French government is coordinating with Australian and New Zealand authorities to facilitate the evacuation of their nationals once the situation allows.
French President Emmanuel Macron has convened a series of emergency defense and security council meetings to address the crisis. The French government high commissioner Louis Le Franc has stated that "Republican order will be re-established whatever the cost," indicating a firm stance against the pro-independence militants responsible for the violence.
What triggers the current unrest
The immediate trigger for the current wave of unrest in New Caledonia was the debate and subsequent approval of voting reforms by the French legislature in Paris. The National Assembly passed a bill that allows residents who have lived in New Caledonia for ten years to vote in provincial elections. This legislative change has been fiercely opposed by pro-independence supporters, particularly the indigenous Kanak population, who fear that the new rules will dilute their political influence in favor of pro-France politicians.
Protests against these reforms began peacefully but quickly escalated into widespread violence. Demonstrators erected barricades, set fires, and engaged in armed clashes with security forces. The situation deteriorated further, leading to the closure of La Tontouta International Airport and significant disruptions to daily life and essential services across the archipelago.
New Caledonia has a long history of tension between its indigenous Kanak population and descendants of European settlers. The archipelago has been a French territory since the mid-1800s, and its political landscape has been shaped by the ongoing debate over its status. While some factions seek full independence from France, others prefer to maintain ties with Paris.
Indigenous Kanaks, who make up about 39% of the population, generally support independence, citing historical grievances, socio-economic disparities, and a legacy of segregation and discrimination. In contrast, the European-descended population and other non-indigenous residents tend to favor remaining part of France, benefiting from the economic stability and infrastructure support provided by the French government.
The current unrest is the most severe in decades, reflecting deep-rooted divisions and the complexities of New Caledonia's political identity. The recent voting reforms have intensified these divisions, highlighting the challenges of balancing democratic representation with the protection of indigenous rights. As French authorities work to restore order, the long-term resolution of New Caledonia's political status remains uncertain, with significant implications for its future governance and social cohesion.
(With inputs from agencies)
