France’s riot-hit overseas territory New Caledonia target of 'unprecedented' cyberattack

By Nur Asena Erturk

France’s riot-hit overseas territory New Caledonia was the target of an “unprecedented” cyberattack on Tuesday, according to a government official.

“We endured last night an unprecedented cyberattack on New Caledonia since a (internet) service provider was targeted from abroad on an IP address, with the aim to saturate the Caledonian network,” territorial government member Christopher Gyges told a news conference.

He also told the French broadcaster BFMTV that “the majority of the IP addresses” of the attackers was from Russia.

There were 95,000 attempts of connection in few seconds ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit.

Macron will "set up a mission" in the Pacific archipelago, French government spokesperson Prisca Thevenot told a news conference following the council of ministers on Tuesday.

The unrest that started last week was sparked by a constitutional review initiated by French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin.

If the changes are adopted, French nationals who have lived on the island for at least 10 years will be eligible to vote in local elections.

Locals, however, are concerned that the changes will dilute the indigenous Kanak population's vote.

France declared a state of emergency and deployed additional forces to assist the local forces in reinstating order.

Capital Noumea’s international Tontouta Airport remains closed to all commercial flights until Saturday due to the violence.