France unveils damage from unrest in New Caledonia

The French government has decided to extend the curfew in New Caledonia, its overseas territory until November 4.

This decision comes in response to widespread riots that have already caused material damage estimated at 2.2 billion euros ($2.4 billion). The unrest, which has been ongoing since mid-May, has resulted in the deaths of 13 individuals, including two gendarmes, while injuries have affected hundreds of residents in the archipelago, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media. 

In response to ongoing unrest, French authorities have decided to extend the curfew across the entire archipelago of New Caledonia. This curfew, which prohibits movement during nighttime hours, has been in effect since May 17. The government has restricted any public gatherings, except for sporting events.

To quell the protests, extra police forces have been deployed to New Caledonia.   The unrest began in the administrative centre of Nouméa on May 13, sparked by a French bill aimed at expanding the voter rolls for local elections. The bill would grant voting rights in regional elections to individuals who have lived in New Caledonia for over ten years.

Previously, only citizens listed on the voter rolls during the 1998 Nouméa Accord, which enhanced the territory's autonomy, were eligible to vote. The changes have faced opposition from the indigenous Kanak people, who make up 41.2 per cent of the archipelago's population, as they fear that an influx of new voters will diminish their political influence.

By Naila Huseynova