Public statements from New Caledonian officials or local news outlets

Three Dead in New Caledonia Riots After France's Voting Change Proposal

May 15, 2024, 01:00 AM

New Caledonia has been gripped by violent unrest following a proposal from mainland France to amend the constitution and change the territory's voting system. The protests have led to widespread chaos, with security forces deployed, a curfew imposed in the capital, Noumea, and the international airport closed. Clashes between police and demonstrators have resulted in the use of high-caliber weapons, and shots have been fired at security forces. Vehicles have been torched, shops looted, and road blockages set up. The unrest has led to the injury of 11 police officers and 35 firefighters, and the death toll has risen to three. French President Emmanuel Macron has convened an emergency meeting of the Defense and National Security Council to address the situation, calling for reason and calm.