(AP) — French security forces reported a new death Saturday in armed clashes in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia, marking the sixth fatality in nearly a week of violent unrest that has scorched the islands where indigenous people have long sought independence.
The person was killed in a gunfight at one of the many improvised barricades blocking roads on the island, a security official said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the situation publicly.
Two other people were seriously injured in the crash, officials said, confirming French media reports. Officials said the gunfight broke out in the Kaala Gomen blockade in the northern part of the main island.
Le Monde and other French news outlets reported that the person killed was a man and that his son was among the injured.
This week’s violence erupted on Monday following protests over voting reforms opposed by independence supporters who have long pushed for France to leave France.
Armed clashes, looting, arson and other unrest have left parts of the capital Nouméa a no-go zone and a vast trail of destruction. Charred chunks of burnt out cars litter roads, businesses and stores have been looted, buildings have been reduced to smoking ruins and fires are filling the skies over the South Pacific.
TOPSHOT – May 16, 2024 Temporary barricades with containers of water are erected by residents along a road in the Magenta district of Nouméa with the aim of peacefully watching over their neighbourhoods, in case of a fire. . Amid protests related to the deliberation of a constitutional bill in the French overseas territory of New Caledonia that aims to expand the number of voters in upcoming elections. (Photo by Theo Rouby/AFP) (Photo by: THEO ROUBY/AFP, Getty Images)
Residents say violence continues to make it dangerous to go out, even as the Paris government has declared a state of emergency on the archipelago and hundreds of security forces have been brought in to help control some areas. are doing. Protesters have barricaded roads and residents have banded together to protect their homes, neighborhoods and livelihoods.
Noumea’s mayor, Sonia Lagarde, said on Saturday that a 6pm to 6am curfew had eased some night-time violence, but “we are far from returning to normal.”
“The damage is incredible,” she told broadcaster BFM-TV. “It’s a scene of devastation.”
“Despite all calls for calm, the situation is not improving – in fact,” she said, describing Nouméa as “under siege”.
The state of emergency gives authorities greater powers to deal with violent protesters, including possible home detention, searches and the removal of weapons for those deemed a threat to public order. The powers to confiscate and restrict movement will be expanded, and violators may be sentenced to prison. According to the Interior Ministry, the last time France imposed such measures on one of its overseas territories was in 1985, also on New Caledonia.
New Caledonians (Canucks) in Toulouse take to the streets to protest French President Emmanuel Macron’s amendments to the French constitution aimed at expanding the electorate in local elections. (Photo by Alain Pitton/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The archipelago has been under tension for decades between the indigenous Kanak people, who want independence, and the descendants of the colonizers, who want to remain part of France.
The riot erupted as the French parliament in Paris was debating amendments to the French constitution to make changes to New Caledonia’s voter list. Parliament on Wednesday approved a bill that would allow residents who have lived in New Caledonia for 10 years to vote in state elections.
Opponents say the measure will benefit New Caledonia’s pro-French politicians and further marginalize the indigenous Kanak people. They once suffered harsh segregation policies and widespread discrimination. The vast archipelago to the east of Australia, with a population of about 270,000 people, is 10 time zones ahead of Paris.
