New Caledonia: French Forces Clear Barricades, President Macron Visits Amidst State of Emergency
Deadly Violence Erupts for Third Day, Reinforcements to Stay as Long as Necessary
French Government Declares State of Emergency as Unrest Continues
The French government has declared a state of emergency in its South Pacific island territory of New Caledonia after deadly violence erupted for a third day. President Emmanuel Macron has visited the territory and pledged that reinforcements will remain as long as necessary to quell the unrest.
The violence began on Monday, when protesters set fire to a police station and other buildings in the capital, Noumea. The unrest has since spread to other parts of the island, and at least three people have been killed.
The French government has sent hundreds of additional police and gendarmes to New Caledonia to restore order. They have cleared dozens of barricades that had been blocking the main road linking the capital to the rest of the island.
President Macron met with local leaders and residents during his visit. He said that the violence was "unacceptable" and that the government would do everything necessary to restore peace and stability to New Caledonia.
The unrest in New Caledonia is the latest in a series of challenges facing the French government. The territory has been struggling with economic difficulties and political instability for several years.
In 2018, New Caledonia voted against independence in a referendum. However, the vote was boycotted by many indigenous Kanak people, who make up about 40% of the population.
The Kanak people have long called for independence from France. They say that they were colonized by the French in the 19th century and that they have been subjected to discrimination and economic exploitation ever since.
The French government has said that it is committed to giving New Caledonia greater autonomy. However, it has also said that it will not allow the territory to become independent.
The unrest in New Caledonia is a reminder of the challenges facing France in its overseas territories. The government will need to find a way to address the concerns of the Kanak people while also maintaining order and stability in the territory.
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