Troops clash with protesters as tensions escalate over independence referendum
French forces have regained control of a key highway leading to the airport in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia after violent clashes with protesters opposed to a planned independence referendum.
The highway, which links the capital Noumea to the international airport, was blocked by protesters on Saturday, sparking violent clashes with police. The protesters, who support independence, threw rocks and Molotov cocktails at police, who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets.
The violence follows months of tensions over the referendum on independence, which is scheduled to take place on November 4. The vote has divided the territory, with those who support independence fearing they will be marginalized economically if they break away from France, while those who support remaining part of France are worried about the potential for increased violence.
The French government has sent hundreds of additional troops to New Caledonia in an attempt to quell the unrest. However, the violence has continued. On Monday, protesters clashed with police at a roadblock near the airport, and one person was shot and injured.
The French government has urged both sides to show restraint and to avoid further violence. However, it is unclear whether the government will be able to prevent further bloodshed. The referendum on independence is a highly sensitive issue, and there are fears that the vote could lead to a return to the violence of the 1980s, when there was a civil war between pro-independence and pro-France groups.
Key points
* French troops have regained control of a key highway leading to the airport in New Caledonia.
* The highway was blocked by protesters opposed to a planned independence referendum.
* The violence follows months of tensions over the referendum, which is scheduled to take place on November 4.
* The French government has sent hundreds of additional troops to New Caledonia in an attempt to quell the unrest.
* The government has urged both sides to show restraint and to avoid further violence.
Related articles
* New Caledonia declares independence from France
* French president warns of ‘risks’ over New Caledonia independence vote
* New Caledonia independence referendum: What you need to know
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