The French government is moving to regain control of the Pacific territory of New Caledonia, High Commissioner Louis Le Franc said, as security forces arrive within the archipelago to finish per week of violent protests by pro-independence groups.
Le Franc said recent security operations following French President Emmanuel Macron’s declaration of a state of emergency would help restore government control after days of unrest that left burned cars, torched shops and improvised barricades along streets.
Protests erupted over a proposed law that may allow some French residents of the islands to vote, potentially weakening the facility of the indigenous electorate. New Caledonia held an independence referendum in 2021, through which an amazing majority voted to stay with France after key local groups boycotted the vote.
“Significant reinforcements will arrive,” the high commissioner told reporters on Friday. They will help restore authority in “areas that have eluded us in recent days and where control is no longer assured.”
The violence has crippled nickel production, a key industry within the region, and hit miners including France’s Eramet SA. The protests weren’t directed against natural resources firms.
According to the US Geological Survey, the world was the world’s third-largest producer of battery metal last yr, accounting for about 6% of world production.
The state of emergency declared on Wednesday is predicted to last twelve days. Government spokeswoman Prisca Thevenot told reporters the measure would allow authorities, amongst other things, to ban public protests or require people to remain of their homes.
