France Declares State of Emergency in New Caledonia Amid Deadly Protests, Five Dead

May 17, 2024, 08:11 AM

France has declared a state of emergency in New Caledonia following days of violent protests sparked by proposed changes to local voting laws. The unrest has led to the deaths of at least five people, including three Indigenous Kanak individuals and two police officers. French President Emmanuel Macron has sent troops and additional police forces to the Pacific territory to restore order. The protests, which began in response to legislation that would allow French residents to vote in provincial elections after ten years of residence, have resulted in significant damage, including the burning and looting of over 100 stores and businesses, causing approximately 200 million euros in damages. The situation has escalated to the point where some neighborhoods in the capital Noumea are no longer under state control. French forces are securing strategic locations such as ports and airports, and the government has also imposed a ban on the social media app TikTok to curb the spread of unrest.