Curfew extended on French overseas territory of New Caledonia until Oct. 14

By Esra Taskin

PARIS (AA) - France extended a curfew in its Indo-Pacific territory of New Caledonia until Oct. 14, its high commissioner said Friday.

The Pacific archipelago has been engulfed in unrest since mid-May, triggered by a proposed bill to review electoral rules.

Restrictions on firearms and the transportation of fuel in portable containers have also been extended until Oct. 14 by the French authorities in New Caledonia.

Public gatherings in the capital Noumea and surrounding cities continue to be prohibited until Oct. 14, excluding sporting events.

A total of 13 people died due to the violent unrest, prompting the declaration of a state of emergency on May 16 and the deployment of the French army.

The controversial bill to review electoral rules would have allowed French nationals who have lived on the island for at least 10 years to vote in local elections.

However, local residents, particularly the indigenous Kanak population, feared that the changes would dilute their voting power.