Baku Initiative Group revisits French violent response to Kanak protests VIDEO

A video released by the Baku Initiative Group marks two years since French authorities forcefully suppressed mass protests in New Caledonia, which were driven by the Kanak population’s push for independence.

According to the group, cited by domestic media, tensions escalated in spring 2024 after France’s parliament approved legislation granting voting rights in regional elections to individuals who had lived in New Caledonia for more than 10 years. The measure was seen by many locals as an effort by Paris to consolidate its influence over the territory.

On May 13, 2024, protests erupted in the capital, Nouméa, as residents opposed the law. Demonstrators viewed the reform as undermining their independence aspirations.

In response to the unrest, French authorities deployed military forces to the archipelago, including 3,000 troops and 30 armoured vehicles, to regain control.

“As a result of the use of force by French security forces, 14 people were killed, and another 3,000 were injured. 243 protesters were arrested,” the group stated.

The video frames these events as a decisive episode in the ongoing tensions between pro-independence movements and the French government in New Caledonia.

By Tamilla Hasanova