Three people were killed in riots that erupted in New Caledonia, a French territory in the Pacific, according to an official. The violence stemmed from a new law allowing French residents to vote in local elections, a move seen by some as weakening the indigenous Kanak population’s influence.
- Local residents reported widespread unrest, with vehicles being burned, shops looted, and some residents taking up arms to protect their homes.
- A witness described a chaotic scene with limited police presence and residents fearing for their safety.
- French President Emmanuel Macron and New Caledonia’s leader called for calm and dialogue, with Macron set to hold a crisis meeting.
This incident highlights the long-standing tensions surrounding France’s control of the mineral-rich island. New Caledonia has a history of pro-independence movements, and the economic disparity between Kanaks and French residents further fuels discontent.
The looting and violence underscore the seriousness of the situation, with some residents reporting a particularly dangerous atmosphere at night.
