An independence group in New Caledonia said protesters and a thousand French police reinforcements were engaged in a “game of cat and mouse” on Wednesday. This comes ahead of the arrival of France’s President Emmanuel Macron after the worst riots in 40 years.
Macron is scheduled to arrive in the Pacific territory on Thursday, following riots triggered by recent electoral reforms. The violence has resulted in six fatalities.
Some leaders fear the change will dilute the vote of indigenous Kanak, who make up 40 percent of the population.
After announcing Macron’s visit, the New Caledonia government faced a large cyber attack aiming to disrupt internet services. Millions of emails targeted a single address.
The attack had been stopped and its origin was unknown, an official said in a livestreamed press conference on Wednesday.
“The different emails that were launched came from several countries at the same time. They wanted to clog the New Caledonia cable,” the official said.
Macron will be accompanied by defense and interior ministers for Thursday’s talks, according to France’s High Commission. Additionally, around 100 GIGN members were deployed in New Caledonia.
The protests highlight simmering discontent among New Caledonia’s population, revealing deeper societal issues and political tensions. Demonstrators express concerns over issues ranging from economic inequality to cultural preservation, urging action from government officials. As the situation escalates, both protesters and law enforcement stay on edge, wary of additional clashes and potential violence.
In this charged atmosphere, Macron’s visit takes on added significance, presenting an opportunity for dialogue and reconciliation. Furthermore, the French president’s presence in New Caledonia offers a chance to address grievances and seek solutions to the underlying issues fueling the unrest.
However, tensions remain high as protesters and police prepare for potential confrontations amidst the backdrop of Macron’s visit.
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