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France sent troops this Thursday to New CaledoniaPacific territory in a state of emergency after four days of riots that left hundreds injured and four dead, in addition to the accidental death of a police officer.
The protests erupted in response to a reform of the electoral roll promoted by the French government which, according to the leaders of the indigenous Kanak people, will dilute their influence in the institutions of this territory.
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Since Monday, this archipelago has been the scene of clashes between protesters and police, looting of companies, burning of public buildings or schools and shootings.
Wednesday night was “less violent”than the previous two, although they occurred“very important clashes“, according to Louis Le Francrepresentative of the State in that territory colonized by France Mid 19th century.
The situation pushed the French president, Emmanuel Macronto decide to impose an emergency regime, which came into force at 05:00 on Thursday (18:00 GMT on Wednesday) and which allows freedom of movement and assembly to be restricted.
In turn, the Prime Minister, Gabriel Attalannounced the sending of the army “to protect ports and New Caledonia Airport,” enforcing a curfew and banning TikTok, which he claims is being used by protesters.
Likewise, Attal announced the additional deployment of a thousand police officers and gendarmes to deal with the situation that “still very tense”.
French authorities indicated that four people died, including a 22-year-old police officer who was shot, and “hundreds” were injured, including 64 security forces officers.
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This Thursday another police officer died, hit by a “accidental shooting”from a colleague, reported the authorities, who indicated that more than 206 people were detained in the archipelago, with 270 thousand inhabitants.
Emmanuel Macron denounced the violence, but called for “resume political dialogue”. However, it was not possible to hold the video conference that the president had proposed to the territory’s deputies to address the situation.
“The different parties do not want to talk to each other at this time“, indicated the presidency. Macron will speak “directly with deputies”, separately, added the Elysee Palace.
“I don’t consider it a looting”
In the capital of the archipelago, Noumea, gunshots were still ringing out on Thursday morning. In a disadvantaged neighborhood in the north of the city, a large number of businesses were destroyed, an AFP journalist noted.
“We came to get what is in the stores to eat. So we won’t have any more stores. We need milk for the children. I don’t consider it a loot,” said a neighbor, who requested anonymity.
The protests began on Monday, when the National Assembly began to debate Paris the reform of the electoral rolls.
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The proposal received the green light from deputies on Wednesday, shortly after midnight, but it still needs to be approved by the Senate to come into force.
Currently, only voters registered in 1998 and their descendants can participate in regional elections in the archipelago, located approximately 1,200 kilometers east of the coast of Australia. The renovation aims to include people who have lived there for ten years.
Independentists consider that the expansion of the census will reduce the proportional influence of original Kanak residents in institutions.
Source: Elcomercio
I am Jack Morton and I work in 24 News Recorder. I mostly cover world news and I have also authored 24 news recorder. I find this work highly interesting and it allows me to keep up with current events happening around the world.
