France declared a state of emergency in New Caledonia, a Pacific Island, on Wednesday after deadly riots erupted against electoral reforms. The unrest subsequently led to the imposition of a curfew and increased police presence within the capital city.
It also confers additional powers on the authorities to control gatherings and restrict movement across this French-administered territory.
This unrest followed a move by Paris lawmakers to allow French residents who had lived for ten years in New Caledonia to vote in provincial elections, which raised fears among local leaders that this would dilute voting influence of the Kanak indigenous community.
According to Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, “Since the start of the week, New Caledonia has been hit by violence of rare intensity. There will be no more violence.’’ For 12 days during which it is expected that order will be restored through enhanced security measures – he said that this was necessary because his government could then deploy enormous resources for such purpose.
However, some people argue that there remains room for reconciliation despite the ongoing turmoil. On Wednesday morning as she threaded her way around protester barricades in Noumea’s city center, 19-year-old Lilou Garrido Navarro Kherachi witnessed scenes full of trepidation and watchfulness. “Terrorized residents are arming themselves now before mobilizing tonight neighborhood patrols guarding their homes,” she said.
The discontent about electoral reform exacerbates long-standing strains relating to France’s role in New Caledonia with intermittent demands for independence. Moreover, economic inequalities and significant nickel mining industry have intensified this underlying resentment.
While claiming that these changes were needed for democracy, open dialogue with both pro- and anti-independence groups by the French government may delay introducing the bill into law.
Even though they have been shaken by violent protests, some citizens like witness Garrido Navarro Kherachi have decided not to exercise their new right to vote out of respect for Kanak people and a need to better understand the complex history of the country.