Tense calm prevails in France's overseas territory of New Caledonia

LONDON

A tense calm prevailed in France's overseas territory of New Caledonia on Friday, with the number of police and gendarmes on the South Pacific island expected to rise by the evening.

The unrest gripped New Caledonia for five days, prompting France to declare a state of emergency.

As more troops arrived at the French army-controlled La Tontouta International Airport, the French territorial High Commission on the island issued a statement saying that for the first time since Monday, the state of emergency allowed for a calmer and more peaceful situation.

The statement added that gatherings are prohibited for Caledonian residents, and a curfew is in effect from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. local time.

France has decided to deploy additional forces to the island with the number of police and gendarmes on New Caledonia expected to increase by Friday evening.

France has also declared a state of emergency in the territory.

On Thursday, a second gendarme was killed in what officials described as an "accidental gunshot" during ongoing riots on the same day.

Hundreds have been arrested on the Pacific island of New Caledonia after deadly unrest erupted over a bill that would allow French nationals to vote in provincial elections, an official said on Thursday.

The unrest was sparked by a constitutional review initiated by Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin in New Caledonia.

If the changes are adopted, French nationals who have lived on the island for at least 10 years will be eligible to vote in local elections.

However, locals are concerned that such changes will dilute the indigenous Kanak population's vote.