'Deadly spiral': France readies state of emergency for Pacific territory as violent unrest turns deadly

and considered imposing an emergency to curb violence that has killed four people on the island, where pro-independence supporters have long pushed to break free from France.

Australians are advised to avoid demonstrations, public gatherings and roadblocks as the protests occur at short notice and could turn violent, it said. The French Cabinet will consider a decree imposing the emergency measures on Wednesday afternoon, he said.The Interior Ministry said 500 additional officers were expected within hours on the archipelago to bolster 1,800 police and gendarmes already there.

Opponents say the measure will benefit pro-France politicians in New Caledonia and further marginalise indigenous Kanak people.The vast archipelago of about 270,000 people east of Australia is 10 time zones ahead of Paris.The territory’s top French official, High Commissioner Louis Le Franc, warned of the possibility of “many deaths” if calm isn't restored.

Independence supporters demonstrate with the Kanak flag outside a voting station in the Riviere Salee district of Noumea, New Caledonia in 2020.

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