A French gendarme died Thursday in New Caledonia after an accidental gunshot amid escalating tensions in the Pacific territory, officials confirmed. The incident marks the fifth fatality since violent clashes erupted earlier this week over controversial electoral reforms. 🔥
Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin called the death a “tragic accident,” with a source close to the investigation clarifying the shot was not intentional. Two security personnel and three civilians have now lost their lives in the unrest, which has seen burned buildings, roadblocks, and widespread protests. 🇫🇷
New Caledonia, a French overseas territory since 1853, has faced decades-long debates about independence. Recent clashes erupted after Paris proposed expanding voting rights to long-term residents—a move critics say dilutes Indigenous Kanak representation. 🗳️
As France deploys 1,000 additional security personnel, locals describe the situation as “explosive.” Stay tuned for updates on this developing story. 🌐
