New Caledonia, a French overseas territory in the South Pacific, has recently experienced unrest that resulted in the death of five people and the destruction or damage of hundreds of buildings. The unrest was sparked by proposed electoral law reforms that would allow residents who moved in later to have the right to vote and increased political influence. Currently, only those on the electoral register in 1998 and their children are permitted to participate in provincial elections.
The protests have led to a state of emergency being declared, with thousands of rioters involved in looting and clashes with security forces. In response, the French government has mobilized hundreds of police officers to quell the unrest. The proposed reforms have raised concerns among independence supporters, particularly among the Kanak population, the indigenous people of New Caledonia.
The situation in New Caledonia was considered relatively stable until the recent outbreak of violence, with the last major unrest occurring in the 1980s. However, the latest protests have been attributed to a radical splinter group, CCAT, which opposes the electoral law reform and has been accused of links with an Azerbaijani organization. French authorities have expressed concerns about external interference and disinformation campaigns targeting the region.
French president Emmanuel Macron has postponed his planned visit to address the crisis and has called for a resumption of political dialogue to address the underlying issues. The unrest in New Caledonia highlights the complex political dynamics and historical tensions in
