France Declares State of Emergency in New Caledonia... Troop Deployment

The French government has declared a state of emergency and deployed troops in response to the ongoing bloodshed in New Caledonia (Nouvelle-Cal?donie), a French territory in the South Pacific, which has continued for several days.

[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

According to the daily Guardian and others, the French government declared a state of emergency in New Caledonia starting from 5 a.m. on the 16th (local time). This is the first time since 1985 that France has declared a state of emergency in an overseas French territory.

Accordingly, gatherings and movements within New Caledonia will be severely restricted, and authorities will have expanded powers to impose house arrest, conduct searches, and seize property targeting those deemed a threat to public order. French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal explained, "TikTok will be banned, and a curfew will be introduced," adding, "Troops will be deployed to secure New Caledonia’s ports and airports." Currently, about 1,800 police officers and gendarmes are stationed in New Caledonia, and an additional 500 will be deployed immediately following the declaration of the state of emergency.

At least four people, including a 24-year-old police officer, have been confirmed dead due to the bloodshed that began on the night of the 13th. G?rald Darmanin, France’s Minister of the Interior, reported, "Shops have been looted, public buildings set on fire, and hundreds, including 100 police officers and gendarmes, have been injured." Approximately 200 people have been arrested as of the 16th.

The violent unrest erupted after the French government pushed for a constitutional amendment to grant voting rights in local elections to those who have lived in New Caledonia for more than ten years. The indigenous Kanak people, who viewed this measure as a threat to their political influence and standing, strongly opposed it, leading to clashes.

During this process, shootings between protesters and civil defense forces continued, and prison escape attempts were also reported. Videos showing pillars of black smoke engulfing the capital, burning cars, and looted shops were repeatedly posted on social media. The Guardian reported that some roads were even rigged with makeshift booby traps.

BBC reported that New Caledonia, which has been French territory since the 19th century, is experiencing its worst unrest since the 1980s. CNN described it as "an explosion of political tensions that have been simmering for years," emphasizing that the Kanak people have long demanded separation and independence. New Caledonia’s population is about 300,000, with the Kanak people making up approximately 40% of that number.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.