VIDEO: French Troops Deployed to New Caledonia - Details

Unrest in New Caledonia, a special collectivity of France, has continued for a third night. During the protests that have turned into riots, four people have died (three indigenous individuals and a 24-year-old police officer), and hundreds have been arrested.

France has declared a state of emergency in New Caledonia, granting additional powers to authorities to ban gatherings and restrict movement on the island.

Pacific neighbors of New Caledonia have called for a de-escalation of tensions and a return to dialogue with France.

It is noteworthy that the riots were sparked by a bill passed by the French Parliament allowing French citizens who have lived in New Caledonia for ten years to vote in provincial elections. Local leaders argue that this will diminish the electoral influence of indigenous peoples.

New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters has urged all parties to ease tensions, which he says is “causing serious concern in the Pacific island region.”

In three municipalities governed by France on the island, including the capital, Nouméa, approximately 5,000 rioters have taken to the streets. Gendarmes have arrested 200 individuals, and 64 gendarmes and police officers have been injured. Protesters have erected barricades on the main and secondary roads of the capital and set vehicles on fire.

It should be noted that the island is located in the southwest Pacific, 1,500 km east of Australia. Earlier, French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announced that troops had been deployed to New Caledonia to ensure the security of ports and the airport.