Riots erupt in New Caledonia as
France plans to change the constitution, allowing more recent French migrants to vote in the island's provincial elections, which protesters claim would marginalize the Indigenous
Kanak people.[2]
Three Kanak residents are killed and many more injured during a
drive-by shooting.[3]
At least 54 officers are injured and more than 130 people are arrested. Shops and cars are
looted, while a
prison breakout has been prevented.[4]
May 15 – A fourth person is killed in New Caledonia.[5]
May 16 –
France deploys 1,000 police officers to New Caledonia in an attempt to control the ongoing riots.[6]
May 17 – France accuses
Azerbaijan of being behind the protests and violence in New Caledonia after Azerbaijani and
Togolese flags are seen alongside indigenous
Kanak symbols at the protests. Azerbaijan has previously spoken out against
French colonialism and supported pro-
independence participants, in response to French support for
Armenia.[7]
May 18 – The death toll from the ongoing protests and riots increases to six.[8]
May 19 – France sends police to New Caledonia to regain control of the road to
La Tontouta International Airport, which is currently controlled by protesters.[9]
May 22 — New Caledonian telecom services thwart a massive email cyberattack on an internet provider prior to
French PresidentEmmanuel Macron's visit to the territory.[10]