Two individuals were reported dead in New Caledonia as a result of a police operation targeting activists believed to be involved in violent protests over France’s plans to alter the French constitution and modify voting lists in the French Pacific territory. The incident occurred in the Saint Louis area near Nouméa, the capital, according to New Caledonian authorities who confirmed the police intervention. Specific details regarding the deaths have not been disclosed.
Last week, authorities in New Caledonia implemented an extended curfew spanning from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., prohibiting gatherings and travel throughout the archipelago as a precautionary measure ahead of potential demonstrations by the Indigenous Kanak people surrounding the upcoming anniversary of France’s acquisition of the Pacific territory.
The Kanak community has historically sought independence from France, which colonized the archipelago in 1853 and granted citizenship to all Kanak individuals in 1957. Recent unrest erupted on May 13 in response to President Emmanuel Macron’s proposed constitutional amendments and changes to voting lists in New Caledonia, which the Kanaks feared would further marginalize them by favoring recent arrivals from mainland France.
Following the escalation of violence, Macron declared a state of emergency and deployed 3,500 troops to assist in restoring order. Thirteen casualties have been reported, predominantly Kanaks, along with two security force members. The fatalities include an accidental death involving a security officer’s weapon discharge.
The recent police operation aimed to apprehend ten individuals suspected of participating in the violent demonstrations in May, which encompassed district blockades, road closures, arson, and looting around Nouméa and beyond. Earlier in June, 11 Kanak activists associated with the Field Action Coordination Unit were arrested during a wide-ranging police sweep. The detentions stemmed from investigations initiated on May 17 following violent protests against the proposed voting reform.
Seven individuals, including Christian Tein, a Kanak leader of the pro-independence movement known as The Field Action Coordination Unit, were transferred approximately 17,000 kilometers (10,500 miles) to mainland France for pretrial detention. The charges leveled against them include complicity in attempted murder, organized theft involving weapons, coordinated property destruction endangering lives, and involvement in a criminal group conspiracy.
In response, Tein’s group accused French authorities of perpetuating “colonial practices” and demanded the immediate release and repatriation of the detained activists. Through a recent social media statement, the group affirmed the Kanak people’s unwavering commitment to independence through non-violent methods.
In recent months, The Field Action Coordination Unit has orchestrated peaceful protests in New Caledonia against French oversight and the endorsed voting reform. However, the group has currently taken a backseat as Prime Minister Michel Barnier under Macron’s administration navigates political challenges in forming a government post the inconclusive July legislative elections.
