The Pacific Islands Forum has expressed support for New Caledonia amid escalating violence and political unrest. The crisis, attributed to French actions, has seen French troops reportedly opening fire on Indigenous protesters from helicopters. Eyewitness accounts and footage on social media suggest excessive police violence as French security forces regain control over the capital, Nouméa. This turmoil, which began intensifying on May 31 and continued through June 3, challenges French President Emmanuel Macron's efforts to maintain and expand France's influence overseas.
“Nothing has changed. The violence is still here.” The idyllic, sleepy islands of New Caledonia have recently been overtaken by fire and anger. 1843 magazine explores the history behind the riots, and why trouble has returned to the territory https://t.co/HDYB6Cs8jg
An outbreak of violence in New Caledonia is undercutting French President Emmanuel Macron’s efforts to retain, and even extend, Paris’ influence overseas. https://t.co/oHfOHZ7hTZ
“It looks like they came to kill.” — French security forces are said to have taken back control over New Caledonia’s capital, Nouméa. At the same time, eyewitness reports of excessive police violence are increasing, including allegations that French forces are shooting at and… https://t.co/Keta8DwxFl
French troops in helicopters appear to open fire on Indigenous protesters in New Caledonia, as seen in footage circulating on Social Media. Helicopters were already being used to transport supplies to the security forces, but using them to shoot at protesters would pose a… https://t.co/OxgrmDRixo
'France has caused this crisis': Pacific Islands Forum offers support to New Caledonia https://t.co/CzEgCtAedz