Police in New Caledonia have arrested 11 individuals, including prominent pro-independence leader Christian Tein, in connection with deadly riots last month in the French Pacific territory. The unrest, which was sparked by controversial electoral reforms, resulted in nine deaths, including two police officers, and extensive damage.
Christian Tein, leader of the Field Action Coordination Cell (CCAT) pro-independence movement, was among those arrested. According to a statement by New Caledonia’s chief prosecutor, Tein and ten other unidentified individuals face charges related to “organized crime” and could be detained for up to 96 hours. The arrests are part of an ongoing police investigation initiated on May 17, following severe violence in Noumea and surrounding areas.
The protests against electoral reform escalated into armed clashes, looting, fires, and other forms of violence, causing €1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) in damages. The French government responded by deploying 3,000 soldiers and police to restore order.
The turmoil began over French plans to extend voting rights to residents who have lived on the islands for ten years or more. Indigenous Kanak people and their supporters argue that this reform would perpetuate their minority status, making independence from France unattainable.
The CCAT, founded in November to oppose the electoral reform, has been vocal in its resistance. The French Interior Minister, Gerald Darmanin, described the group as a “Mafia-style organization.”
Christian Tein was arrested as he was preparing for a news conference at the CCAT’s office, which also houses the headquarters of the largest pro-independence political party, the Caledonian Union (UC). The UC condemned the arrests as “abusive” and criticized the police for taking photos of documents during the office search. Prosecutor Yves Dupas stated that the search was conducted “without incident.”
French President Emmanuel Macron recently suspended the contentious electoral reform after dissolving parliament for snap elections scheduled for June 30 and July 7. Pro-independence groups demand a complete withdrawal of the reform before resuming discussions about the island’s political future.
The UC has called for calm and urged its followers not to react to the arrests until more information becomes available. They accuse local anti-independence leaders and associated criminal elements of acting with impunity while pro-independence activists face punitive actions.
As New Caledonia navigates this period of tension, the arrests of Tein and others highlight the deep divisions and ongoing struggles over the territory’s future status and governance.
The situation in New Caledonia remains complex, with significant implications for its political and social landscape as discussions about its future continue.
