Man Killed in Clashes in New Caledonia
- A 43-year-old man was killed during clashes in Thio, New Caledonia.
- The clashes took place in the French territory in the Pacific Ocean.
- Mining installations were destroyed in the aftermath of the clashes.
On August 15, a man was killed during violent confrontations with mobile gendarmes in Thio, a significant site for mining and a historical center of the independence movement in New Caledonia. The incident sparked immediate outrage, leading to the destruction of Société Le Nickel (SLN) facilities and the burning of homes belonging to company managers. This unrest highlights the ongoing volatility in Thio, which has become a focal point for protests against the unfreezing of the electoral body, a situation that has been simmering since riots erupted on May 13. Despite a general decline in protests across New Caledonia, Thio remains a hotspot, alongside Saint-Louis and Poya. The town, with a population of 2,500, faces severe security challenges, leading to the closure of essential medical services, including a dispensary and a dialysis unit. Residents are forced to navigate a treacherous 47-kilometer journey to access healthcare in Boulouparis, as public transport has been halted since mid-May. In recent weeks, demonstrations have surged elsewhere in the territory, driven by calls from the CCAT and leaders of the Socialist Kanak National Liberation Front. However, the local CCAT in Thio has distanced itself from the national group's more moderate stance, reflecting the village's radicalized sentiment rooted in its tumultuous history. Thio transitioned from a loyalist stronghold to a pro-independence bastion following the violent events of the 1980s, particularly after the death of independence leader Eloi Machoro in 1985.