A man shot by police in New Caledonia has died, escalating the unrest in the French Pacific territory. The violence stems from changes to the voting law, with Indigenous Kanaks fearing marginalization and pushing for independence. The man was shot after armed men rammed a pickup truck into a car carrying gendarmes and opened fire. The conflict has resulted in eight deaths since mid-May, including two police officers.
The tensions between those seeking independence and those loyal to France have been ongoing, exacerbated by French President Macron’s attempts to change the voting system. Pro-independence parties and Kanak leaders believe the new legislation will favor pro-France politicians and further marginalize the Kanak population, who have faced discrimination and economic disparities for decades.
France has sent additional troops to help quell the revolt, which includes shootings, clashes, looting, and arson. Both sides of the divide in New Caledonia have erected barricades either to protest against authorities or to protect their properties. An overnight curfew has been extended until June 17 across the archipelago.
New Caledonia became French in 1853 and an overseas territory after World War II, with all Kanaks granted French citizenship in 1957. The situation remains tense as the conflict continues, with the death toll rising and both sides unwilling to back down.
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