The state of emergency in New Caledonia is set to end on Tuesday morning after two weeks of violent unrest sparked by France's plans to change voting rules for provincial elections. The emergency measures, which were imposed on May 16, will be lifted at 8 pm on Monday in Paris (18:00 GMT and 5 am on Tuesday in Noumea), according to a statement from the Elysee Palace. In an effort to maintain order, France will deploy an additional 480 law enforcement officers to the territory, reinforcing the 3,000 security personnel already on the ground.
The unrest erupted in response to proposed constitutional changes that would allow Europeans who have resided in New Caledonia for at least 10 years to vote in provincial elections. Critics argue that this amendment would dilute the voting influence of the Indigenous Kanak population, who make up about 40 percent of the territory's residents, and undermine the Noumea Accord. This 1998 agreement, designed to end a previous period of violence, included provisions restricting voting rights in provincial elections to long-term residents.
Violence has claimed at least seven lives over the past two weeks. Barricades have been erected across major roads, and commercial sites have been looted and set on fire. The most recent victim was shot dead by police on Friday night, shortly after French President Emmanuel Macron visited the islands in an attempt to calm the situation. Following his visit, Macron promised that the controversial amendment would be withdrawn, a move aimed at de-escalating tensions and restoring conditions for dialogue.
Macron’s decision not to renew the state of emergency reflects Paris’s desire to initiate the de-escalation process. The Elysee Palace's statement emphasized the importance of lifting roadblocks as a necessary condition for opening concrete and serious negotiations. The main pro-independence political coalition, FLNKS (Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front), issued a communique on Saturday prioritizing the easing of tensions and advocating for political rather than repressive solutions.
Despite the lifting of the state of emergency, challenges remain. Some districts in the capital, Noumea, continue to experience unrest, and the international airport will remain closed to commercial traffic until at least June 2, according to the operator. The situation underscores the deep-seated tensions between the Kanak population and the French government, which has governed New Caledonia since the 1800s. Many Kanaks resent France's control over their islands and seek greater autonomy or full independence.
The Noumea Accord provided for three referendums on independence, held in 2018, 2020, and 2021, all of which resulted in a decision to remain part of France. However, Kanak groups boycotted the last referendum after their calls for a delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic were ignored by Paris. These groups are now calling for a new internationally-led vote.
In his visit to New Caledonia, Macron pledged that the planned changes to voting rights would not be imposed without consensus, signaling a willingness to engage with local concerns. The lifting of the state of emergency is intended to facilitate discussions and reduce tensions, allowing for a more stable environment in which to negotiate the future of the territory.
As New Caledonia navigates this period of unrest, the role of the international community and continued dialogue between the French government and Indigenous groups will be crucial in achieving a peaceful resolution and addressing the long-standing grievances of the Kanak population.
