French President Macron Halts Voting Reforms in New Caledonia Amid Violent Protests
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced the suspension of contentious voting reforms in New Caledonia following a wave of deadly unrest in the French Pacific territory. The proposed reforms, aimed at altering voting rights, have sparked significant opposition from the Indigenous Kanak people, who argue that the changes would further marginalize their community. This controversy has triggered some of the worst violence witnessed on the archipelago in decades.
The turmoil erupted on May 13 in response to efforts by Macron's administration to amend the French Constitution and revise voting lists in New Caledonia. The situation escalated to the extent that France declared a state of emergency on May 15 and deployed additional troops to assist in restoring order. The unrest included shootings, clashes, looting, and arson, with both pro-independence Kanak groups and those loyal to France erecting barricades in different parts of the capital, Noumea.
In an official statement, Macron emphasized the need to suspend the constitutional bill regarding New Caledonia in order to eliminate ambiguity and facilitate dialogue amid the ongoing crisis. "We cannot leave ambiguity during this period. It must be suspended to give full strength to dialogue on the ground and the return to order," Macron declared.
The violence has resulted in casualties, including the recent death of a 34-year-old man on June 11, injured during a confrontation with police on May 29. The incident has prompted an autopsy and an investigation into the use of force by law enforcement.
Louis Mapou, president of New Caledonia’s government, has issued a call for calm and urged the removal of barricades to restore peace across the territory. Meanwhile, the French government has extended an overnight curfew throughout the archipelago until June 17 to maintain public safety.
The situation in New Caledonia remains tense, with efforts focused on de-escalating tensions and fostering constructive dialogue between opposing factions amidst the political and social unrest.
