STORY: :: New Caledonia police patrol streets with burnt cars
after protesters blocked key roads
::May 13, 2024
:: Noumea, New Caledonia
:: The international airport is shut and a curfew is in place,
according to the French High Commission
::Thio, New Caledonia
:: Protesters fear the proposed changes to the
constitution may dilute the vote of indigenous Kanak
New Caledonia's government called for calm and condemned the destruction of property. Video showed police patrolling the streets among burnt-out cars and plumes of smoke, after protesters had set up blockades on key roads on Monday (May 13).
The protests and violence happened on Monday ahead of debate on Tuesday in the French National Assembly on changes to the New Caledonian constitution. The proposed changes would allow more French residents to vote in New Caledonia elections, which independence supporters fear will dilute the vote of indigenous Kanak.
The French High Commission said in a statement that significant disturbances in the capital, Noumea, and surrounding townships were ongoing, and numerous buildings including shops, pharmacies and car dealerships were damaged. So far 36 people had been arrested.
