The President of the Republic Emmanuel Macron greets on the steps of the Elysée in Paris, May 14, 2024. (LUDOVIC MARIN / AFP)
Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin has announced the house arrest of five individuals following the imposition of a state of emergency in New Caledonia, which has been engulfed in violent riots.
Key Details:
The French government is taking decisive action in response to riots in New Caledonia that have resulted in four deaths, including a police officer. Minister Darmanin stated on social media platform X that he signed the initial five house arrest orders for those identified as radical and violent leaders. He also indicated that police would immediately begin administrative searches as per his instructions.
The state of emergency, which was declared for a period of 12 days starting at 8 p.m. on Wednesday (5 a.m. Thursday in New Caledonia), includes several stringent measures. Gabriel Attal announced the prohibition of the TikTok application and the deployment of military forces to secure the archipelago's ports and airport.
President Emmanuel Macron has canceled a scheduled visit to the EPR site in Flamanville to lead a "monitoring meeting" regarding the situation in New Caledonia. In a press release, the Elysée Palace emphasized that all acts of violence are unacceptable and will be met with a firm response to restore public order.
Reinforcement Measures:
Currently, there are about 1,800 police officers and gendarmes in New Caledonia. The Ministry of the Interior has announced the deployment of an additional 500 officers to assist in maintaining order.
Calls for Calm:
In the wake of the unrest, the main political parties in New Caledonia, both pro-independence and non-independence, have issued a joint statement urging for calm and reason. They expressed their belief that dialogue and resilience are essential for overcoming the crisis collectively.
Legislative Action:
Amidst these events, the French National Assembly has passed a constitutional reform concerning the electoral body, which has been a contentious issue for separatists. The reform was approved late on Tuesday, May 14, with 351 votes in favor and 153 against, primarily opposed by left-wing members.
Government's Firm Stance:
The French government is determined to restore order in New Caledonia. Minister Darmanin’s actions, including the house arrests and police searches, reflect a commitment to curbing the violence. The prohibition of TikTok and the deployment of military forces are part of a broader strategy to stabilize the region and protect critical infrastructure.
Presidential Response:
President Macron's decision to cancel his trip and focus on the situation underscores the severity of the crisis. The Elysée’s statement on the intolerability of violence and the necessity of a resolute response highlights the government's firm stance on maintaining law and order.
Community and Political Efforts:
The collective call for calm by New Caledonia’s main political factions indicates a shared desire to resolve the situation peacefully. Their emphasis on dialogue and resilience as means to navigate through the crisis suggests a hopeful outlook for collaborative problem-solving.
Moving Forward:
As New Caledonia navigates through this tumultuous period, the combined efforts of governmental actions, community calls for calm, and political dialogues will be crucial. The additional police reinforcements and the measures taken under the state of emergency aim to restore stability and ensure the safety of all residents.
