World Courant
Buildings and vehicles are set on hearth after protests in opposition to constitutional modifications flip into riots.
Safety forces have been mobilized and a curfew imposed on the French Pacific island territory of New Caledonia after a common strike and protests over proposed constitutional modifications was violence.
Retailers and buildings had been set on hearth within the capital Noumea and surrounding settlements on Monday night, after a day of motion over proposed modifications that may enhance the dimensions of the voters for the upcoming elections.
Many among the many indigenous inhabitants worry that this transfer will “additional reduce the indigenous Kanak inhabitants.”
Noting that the violence continued, Louis Le Franc, New Caledonia’s excessive commissioner, mentioned in an announcement that safety forces had been deployed and a curfew could be imposed from Could 14 at 6 p.m. (0700 GMT) till Could 15 at 6am. (19:00 GMT on Could 14).
“The Excessive Commissioner condemns within the strongest phrases these acts of violence, which represent critical assaults on individuals and property,” the assertion mentioned.
New Caledonia’s airport was additionally closed.
The excessive commissioner mentioned 36 individuals had been arrested.
New Caledonia is certainly one of France’s largest abroad territories and an essential a part of its declare as a Pacific energy.
Voters rejected independence in a collection of referendums promised after the islands had been rocked by violent unrest.
Professional-independence teams boycotted the ultimate vote in 2021 and rejected the consequence, with turnout reaching simply 44 %.
Noumea is situated roughly 17,000 km (10,563 miles) from Paris.
New Caledonia: safety forces deployed, curfew imposed after violence | Political information
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