French Pacific Island under curfew after mass rioting

New Caledonia, a French overseas territory in the Pacific Ocean, has been placed under curfew after violent protests erupted in response to proposed changes to the local voting system. The unrest was triggered by a bill passed by the French National Assembly aimed at allowing non-indigenous citizens to vote in New Caledonia’s local elections. This move has raised concerns among local independence activists that it could diminish the voting power of the indigenous Kanak people.

The protests, marked by arson, looting, and gunshots in the regional capital Noumea, led to more than 130 arrests and numerous injuries among both rioters and police officers. In response, a curfew from 6pm to 6am was declared, public gatherings were banned, and the international airport was closed until further notice. Additional police forces were deployed to restore order.

While the authorities defended the reform as a step towards democracy, locals warned that allowing foreigners to vote in elections could lead to resentment, escalation of violence, and the potential of civil war.

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