AT LEAST two civilians have been shot dead in fresh clashes between indigenous New Caledonians and French security forces. The fresh clashes erupted Wednesday night (September 18) as police attempted to enter the village of Saint Louis near the capital Noumea, Radio New Zealand’s Pacific Desk reported on Thursday.
That brings the total death toll in New Caledonia to 13, including two police officers, since the violence began in May. Police said they were on a mission to arrest and question several wanted men suspected of involvement in criminal acts amid the ongoing conflict.
French overseas colonies have seen widespread unrest over electoral reforms that allow long-term French residents to participate in local elections. France has declared a state of emergency and deployed additional troops to assist troops in restoring order and has imposed periodic curfews to thwart the uprising.
Amid efforts for dialogue, French President Emmanuel Macron on June 12 announced the suspension of a much-contested electoral reform plan in New Caledonia. The bill, which has sparked widespread violence since May 13, would have granted voting rights in local elections to French citizens who have lived on the island for at least 10 years.
The proposal met with strong opposition from the indigenous Kanak population, who feared that the change would reduce their electoral influence. (I-2)
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