Deadly Riots Erupt In New Caledonia Following Paris Vote.

By Caroline Ameh

The tranquil Pacific territory of New Caledonia has been plunged into chaos and violence, leaving at least two dead and hundreds injured, as protests escalate in response to a recent decision by the French parliament to extend voting rights to French residents on the island.

The unrest, which commenced on Monday evening, saw a wave of destruction sweep through the capital city of Nouméa, with reports of cars being set ablaze, buildings torched, and police stations under attack. The severity of the situation prompted French President Emmanuel Macron to cancel a scheduled trip in order to chair an emergency defense and national security meeting.

The catalyst for the violence was the parliamentary vote in Paris, which passed by a significant margin of 351 to 153, granting French citizens residing in New Caledonia for at least a decade the right to vote in provincial elections. While proponents argue for democratic inclusivity, many locals, particularly the indigenous Kanak people, view the move as marginalizing and undermining their voting power.

The High Commission of the Republic in New Caledonia issued a stern warning, urging an immediate halt to the “serious disturbances” that have gripped the territory. The situation has already claimed lives, with one person dead and numerous injured, including police officers.

The tension between indigenous groups and settlers has been simmering for decades, exacerbated by the complexities of political autonomy and the presence of a substantial French expatriate community. Under the 1998 Nouméa Accord, France committed to granting the territory greater autonomy and restricting voting rights in provincial and assembly elections to long-term residents. However, the influx of over 40,000 French citizens since then has heightened socio-political tensions.

Despite three referendums on New Caledonia’s future, with independence consistently rejected, underlying grievances persist. The most recent referendum in December 2021, boycotted by pro-independence parties due to concerns over the Covid epidemic, reaffirmed New Caledonia’s status as part of France.

President Macron, echoing sentiments of unity, had remarked after the 2021 vote, “Tonight, France is more beautiful because New Caledonia has decided to stay part of it.” However, the recent violence underscores the deep-seated divisions that continue to plague this idyllic island nation.

New Caledonia, with its population of approximately 300,000, remains at a crossroads, torn between its indigenous heritage and ties to France. While the territory enjoys a significant degree of autonomy, it remains heavily reliant on Paris for matters such as defense and education, highlighting the complex interplay of identity, politics, and sovereignty in this remote corner of the world.