Number of casualties rises to 7 in France's riot-hit overseas territory New Caledonia

By Nur Asena Erturk.

The number of casualties rose to seven on Friday in France's riot-hit overseas territory New Caledonia, according to media reports.

The Pacific archipelago has been gripped by unrest since last week, sparked by a bill to review electoral rules.

A man was killed by police officers and the number of casualties rose to seven, according to Noumea prosecutor Yves Dupas, broadcaster BFMTV reported.

The police officer used his weapon to get out of a physical altercation, the same source added.

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

The French government’s decision to ban access to the social media app TikTok in New Caledonia on May 15, soon after tensions rose, sparked controversy.

The government said it aimed to counter communication between rioters.

President Emmanuel Macron took up a quick visit to the capital Noumea on Thursday and met with the local representatives to set up a dialogue.

He expressed his wish to end the state of emergency if the roadblocks are removed, and to launch talks for a “comprehensive political deal” about the institutional and economic future of the island.