New Caledonia, a French overseas territory, experienced a tense calm on Friday amid ongoing unrest that prompted France to declare a state of emergency earlier in the week. The South Pacific island has been in the grips of disturbances for five days, triggered by proposed constitutional changes affecting voter eligibility in local elections. In response to the escalating situation, the French territorial High Commission on the island reported that the state of emergency has facilitated a calmer environment since Monday. Additional measures include a prohibition on gatherings and a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. local time. To bolster security and restore order, France has decided to deploy more police and gendarmes, with numbers expected to rise by Friday evening. This follows the arrival of more troops at La Tontouta International Airport, which is controlled by the French army. The turmoil has led to significant consequences, including the deaths of two gendarmes, one from an "accidental gunshot" during the riots. Hundreds of people have been arrested in connection with the unrest, which erupted over a bill proposed by Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin. The bill would allow French nationals who have lived in New Caledonia for at least 10 years to vote in provincial elections, a move that has raised concerns among the indigenous Kanak population about the dilution of their electoral influence. — Agencies
