France recently announced a state of emergency in New Caledonia after violent clashes erupted between native-born, pro-independence activists and supporters of expanding voting rights for French residents on the archipelago. The protests have resulted in deaths, injuries, looting, arson, and destruction, marking the worst violence in the region in years. The proposed constitutional amendment, allowing French residents who have lived in New Caledonia for at least a decade to vote, has deeply divided the population, particularly the indigenous Kanak community who fears a dilution of their influence.

The tensions in New Caledonia have drawn attention from mainland France, as the situation escalates with masked residents setting up roadblocks and clashes continuing in various parts of the territory. While some residents express feelings of oppression and anger over the proposed changes to voting rights, others are calling for dialogue and peace to be restored in the region. French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has urged for discussions with New Caledonia's political stakeholders to address the situation and determine the future of the semi-autonomous territory, which has a complex history of colonial rule and referendums on independence.