The French state representative in New Caledonia, Louis Le Fran, indicated today, Friday, that "control over many areas of the archipelago located in the Pacific is no longer guaranteed," announcing the dispatch of reinforcements to "regain" these areas after four nights of tension. During a press conference, the High Commissioner of the French Republic stated, "Reinforcements will arrive to regain control of the areas that have slipped from our hands in recent days, which are no longer guaranteed to be under control." Le Fran particularly highlighted three areas in Greater Nouméa, primarily inhabited by indigenous residents. He also announced that "one person suspected of committing murder has surrendered to the authorities."
Emergency Declaration
French President Emmanuel Macron decided to impose a state of emergency in New Caledonia. The state of emergency was implemented after opposition intensified against a constitutional reform aimed at expanding the number of people allowed to participate in local elections to include all those born in New Caledonia and residents for at least ten years. The protests were marked by riots and looting, resulting in five deaths and hundreds of injuries. French authorities reported that, within the framework of the state of emergency, 200 individuals had been arrested among about 5,000 "rioters."
