Fresh violence has erupted in New Caledonia, with several buildings, including a police station and town hall, set ablaze overnight, authorities reported on Monday. The escalation comes ahead of historic legislative elections in France, where support for the far-right is on the rise.
Tensions first flared in mid-May over electoral reforms feared to marginalize Indigenous Kanak people, sparking riots that left nine dead and caused over 1.5 billion euros ($1.6 billion) in damages. French authorities had recently asserted control over Noumea, but unrest reignited after seven independence activists were transferred to mainland France for pre-trial detention.
Pro-independence groups, like CCAT, condemned what they call “colonial tactics” and demanded the activists’ return for trial in New Caledonia. The High Commission reported widespread violence across the territory, including attacks on police, arson, and roadblocks. A 23-year-old man died from respiratory distress after visiting barricades in Noumea, with authorities investigating the circumstances.
In response to the unrest, the French government deployed over 3,000 troops and police to New Caledonia, resulting in nearly 1,500 arrests since the turmoil began. President Emmanuel Macron announced the suspension of the controversial voting reforms amid the upcoming parliamentary polls in France.
