French High Commissioner Announces Reinforcements in New Caledonia
French high commissioner Louis Le Franc, the highest-ranking state official in New Caledonia, stated that reinforcements would be deployed to control areas that have experienced unrest in recent days.
Relative Calm Restored in New Caledonia
The French Pacific territory of New Caledonia witnessed relative calm on Friday following days of violence related to voting reform. The unrest resulted in five fatalities and hundreds of injuries, as reported by the news agency AFP, citing authorities.
Increased Military Presence in Noumea
Le Franc mentioned that the arrival of more military and armed police in Noumea would enable authorities to regain control over areas that had been lost during the disturbances.
Rioting and State of Emergency
Rioting erupted in New Caledonia in response to anger over an electoral reform, leading to the burning of businesses, car torching, shop looting, and road blockades. The French government declared a state of emergency, resulting in four fatalities, including a police officer, and numerous arrests.
Electoral Reform Concerns
The electoral reform, approved by lawmakers, allows French residents residing in New Caledonia for ten years to vote in provincial elections. Some local leaders are apprehensive that this change may diminish the influence of the indigenous Kanak vote.
Additional Security Forces Deployed
French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announced the dispatch of 1,000 extra security forces to New Caledonia, supplementing the existing 1,700 personnel. The troops arrived at La Tontouta International Airport and were observed moving through Noumea.
Food and Medicine Shortages
New Caledonia’s government disclosed that the island has a two-month supply of food, with distribution being a critical issue. The violence has disrupted the availability of essential supplies like food and medicines.
Supply Operations Initiated
Le Franc also revealed plans to commence operations to deliver food and medicine to the public, with specialized teams, including mine-clearing experts, tasked with removing booby-trapped road barricades set up by rioters.