France mobilized over 600 police officers to clear barricades on the main road linking the airport to New Caledonia’s capital Noumea. The unrest was sparked by anger among indigenous Kanak people over a constitutional amendment that could dilute their vote in provincial elections. Six people have died, and the airport has been closed, leaving thousands stranded.
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.
French police reinforcements have arrived in New Caledonia to regain control of the capital Noumea. The number of police and gendarmes on the island will increase to 2,700 from 1,700. Rioting began on Monday, resulting in four deaths and hundreds of arrests. Operations are underway to supply food and medicine to the public, with road barricades being removed by specialists in mine clearing. France has declared a state of emergency on the island and banned TikTok. The riots erupted over a new electoral reform bill that will allow French residents who have lived in New Caledonia for 10 years to vote in provincial elections.
Fact: Armed forces were protecting New Caledonia’s two airports and port after a third night of violent riots that have killed four people.
Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa declared a state of emergency in five coastal provinces due to “internal armed conflict.” The measure will last for 60 days and the police and armed forces will be deployed to combat organized armed groups, blamed for the recent spike in violence.