France extends curfew in New Caledonia amid unrest

Security measures tightened as riots continue following electoral reforms

PARIS:

France has extended the curfew in its Indo-Pacific territory of New Caledonia until July 22, the high commissioner announced on Friday.

The French administration has maintained stringent measures on the island, situated 17,000 kilometers (10,563 miles) from mainland France, deploying additional security forces and equipment to quell ongoing unrest triggered by electoral reforms. The curfew remains in effect from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. local time, alongside a prohibition on the sale and shipment of weapons, as well as the sale of alcohol, until the same date. These measures were initially extended until July 15.

A French government vessel carrying armoured vehicles and security equipment arrived in Noumea, the capital of New Caledonia, on Thursday to reinforce local authorities. The deployment follows violent riots since May 13, sparked by reforms allowing long-term French residents to participate in local elections. The unrest has resulted in casualties, injuries, arson, and looting. The riots left at least nine dead.

France declared a state of emergency and deployed additional forces to assist forces in reinstating order.

In response, France declared a state of emergency and escalated its security presence.

President Emmanuel Macron dissolved parliament and called for early elections after the far-right National Rally secured a significant 31 percent vote share in the European Parliament elections on June 9. Macron also suspended the contentious electoral reform plan for New Caledonia on June 12.