New Rules in Place as French Officials Aim to Curb Violence in New Caledonia

Residents of New Caledonia will be expected to comply with alcohol and weapons bans as the government cracks down on violent rioting.

French soldiers of the 8th Marine Infantry Regiment (8e RIMa) secure the Magenta airport in Noumea, France's Pacific territory of New Caledonia, on May 17, 2024. France deployed troops to New Caledonia's ports and international airport, banned TikTok and imposed a state of emergency on May 16 after three nights of clashes that have left four dead and hundreds wounded. Pro-independence, largely indigenous protests against a French plan to impose new voting rules on its Pacific archipelago have spiralled into the deadliest violence since the 1980s, with a police officer among several killed by gunfire. (Photo by Delphine Mayeur / AFP) Photo by DELPHINE MAYEUR/AFP via Getty Images

Australia’s Consul-General in New Caledonia has confirmed that the French and Australian governments are working together to bring more Australians home, as a number of new security measures are introduced on the island territory.

The French government says it is planning to introduce a set of rules to help maintain order in the region amid days of violence, rioting, and looting.