A French policeman has fatally shot a protester in New Caledonia, sparking further unrest in the Pacific territory. The incident occurred amidst a week of violent clashes over controversial voting reforms, bringing the death toll to seven.
According to Prosecutor Yves Dupas, the officer opened fire in self-defense after being attacked by a group of demonstrators on Friday. The victim, a 48-year-old man, was part of the ongoing protests led by the indigenous Kanak community, who are concerned about the proposed voting changes.
The planned reforms would expand voting rights to more French residents, potentially diluting the political power of the Kanak community and complicating any future independence referendums. Many fear that this could hinder their quest for self-determination.
French President Emmanuel Macron, who visited the territory just a day before the fatal shooting, has called for a pause in the reform process to seek a new political agreement. However, he has not acceded to demands for the reforms to be withdrawn entirely.
The French government has deployed additional police forces to restore order in New Caledonia, where deep economic disparities persist. The poverty rate among indigenous Kanaks is significantly higher than that of non-Kanaks, highlighting the social challenges facing the territory.
The unrest has caused significant damage, prompting the evacuation of foreign tourists and the closure of Nouméa airport. Macron has described the violence as an “unprecedented insurrection movement” and vowed to lift the state of emergency once all barricades are dismantled.
As the situation in New Caledonia continues to unfold, the international community is closely monitoring developments in the troubled territory.
