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Protests Erupt In New Caledonia Over Extradition Of Independence Leader

Protests erupted in New Caledonia over the extradition of independence leader Christian Tein, resulting in the burning of police vehicles and road blockages. The unrest stems from concerns over voting reforms that indigenous Kanaks believe will dilute their influence. French loyalists call for state intervention as the political impasse continues.

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Protests in New Caledonia over the extradition of Christian Tein led to the burning of police vehicles and road blockages.

Pro-independence protesters in New Caledonia set police vehicles ablaze and blocked roads on Monday, expressing outrage over the extradition of jailed protest leader Christian Tein to France. The French Pacific territory's High Commission in Noumea reported the unrest, which also saw the burning of the Koumac town hall and destruction in Paita.

The Dumbea municipal council indicated that a firefighting vehicle was attacked, possibly by gunfire, and several schools were closed due to the ongoing protests. These demonstrations, which began in May, intensified after France approved reforms that would allow thousands more French residents who have lived in the territory for 10 years to vote.

Why This Matters: Indigenous Kanaks fear that this reform will dilute their voting power, complicating future referendums on independence. In contrast, Paris argues that the measure is essential for enhancing democracy.

Daniel Goa, president of the Caledonian Union, the largest pro-independence political party, expressed astonishment at the deportation of Tein and six other party officials on Saturday night. He asserted that their activities had been limited to organizing peaceful demonstrations, rejecting the prosecutor’s allegations that Tein and his associates were instigating violence.

Tein, who leads the Field Action Coordination Cell (CCAT), an offshoot of Caledonian Union, was arrested last week. CCAT has erected barricades that have disrupted traffic for weeks. Notably, Tein had met with French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit to Noumea last month to address the political deadlock.

On Monday, French loyalist politicians, including Sonia Backes and Nicolas Metzdorf, claimed that a third of local businesses had been destroyed due to the unrest. They sent a letter to President Macron requesting that the New Caledonia government be placed under state administration, citing its inability to effectively govern.

Key Takeaways:

  • Protesters burn police vehicles and block roads in New Caledonia.
  • Anger sparked by the extradition of protest leader Christian Tein to France.
  • Indigenous Kanaks fear voting reforms will weaken their influence on independence.
  • French loyalists report significant business destruction, request state intervention.
  • Political impasse persists despite Macron's recent visit to resolve tensions.

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