There has been serious unrest in the French overseas territory of New Caledonia for three days. At least 60 security forces were injured in violent protests on Wednesday evening. The demonstrators demand their own state and thus independence from France.
The separatists are angry about a planned constitutional reform by the government in Paris. This stipulates that thousands of French voters in the island nation will have the right to vote and greater political influence in France. President Emmanuel Macron invited the New Caledonian government to a meeting in Paris at the end of May.
The overseas territory in the South Pacific is located approximately 17,000 kilometers from France, but is particularly important geopolitically, militarily and because of the nickel deposits there. In three referendums (2018, 2020 and 2021), residents voted to remain part of France (see video above). However, the independence movement announced that it would not accept the result. The indigenous population in particular has long hoped for their own state.
Schools and airport closed
Over the past two days, supporters have staged violent protests. On Wednesday evening, 60 security forces were injured and 130 people were arrested. The main airport, La Tontouta, schools and public services remain closed until further notice. Long lines formed outside many stores as people feared shortages of food and other supplies.
In the capital Noumea, numerous cars and buildings were set on fire, causing serious air pollution. About 270,000 people live in New Caledonia, which gained extensive autonomy in 1998. Since the last vote to remain in France, the fronts have hardened.
Source: Krone
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