Australians stranded in New Caledonia are rationing food as they wait for a way out of the Pacific island territory after unrest that has killed six people.
French police reinforcements arrived in New Caledonia to regain control of the capital after riots resulted in four deaths and hundreds of arrests. The unrest was triggered by anger over an electoral reform, complicating President Macron’s plans to increase French influence in the Pacific. The number of police on the island will increase to 2,700 from 1,700. The government has food stocks for two months but faces distribution issues. Protesters demand the withdrawal of the electoral reform for peaceful talks to resume. France has declared a state of emergency, arrested suspects, and banned TikTok.
Three people have been killed in unrest in New Caledonia after France’s National Assembly approved changes to voting rules in the Pacific island.