French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has called for an urgent „interministerial crisis unit“ meeting at the Interior Ministry in response to the deadly riots that have erupted in the Pacific territory of New Caledonia. The situation has escalated rapidly, with four people, including a gendarme, losing their lives, and hundreds more sustaining injuries.
The violence began as peaceful protests over the political future of the French overseas territory, with local residents and indigenous Kanak groups expressing their concerns about the ongoing process of decolonization and the potential for further autonomy or independence. However, the demonstrations quickly turned chaotic and violent, with clashes between protesters and security forces leading to the tragic loss of life.
Prime Minister Attal has convened this high-level meeting to coordinate a comprehensive government response to the crisis. The Interior Ministry, along with representatives from the Ministry of Overseas Territories, the Ministry of Defense, and other relevant agencies, will come together to assess the situation, analyze the underlying causes of the unrest, and devise a plan of action to restore order and address the grievances of the local population.
The government is acutely aware of the delicate political and social dynamics at play in New Caledonia, a territory that has long grappled with issues of autonomy, identity, and the legacy of French colonialism. The Prime Minister has stressed the need for a measured and nuanced approach, one that prioritizes dialogue, reconciliation, and the protection of human rights, while also ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.
As the crisis unit convenes, the nation watches with bated breath, hoping that the French government can navigate this complex and volatile situation with the necessary skill and sensitivity to bring an end to the violence and pave the way for a peaceful resolution that addresses the deep-seated concerns of the people of New Caledonia.