Man killed in New Caledonia unrest

French police shot and killed an alleged gunman during violent clashes in New Caledonia on August 15, raising the death toll to 11 amid three months of escalating unrest in the French Pacific territory. The incident occurred in Thio, where police were attempting to clear a bridge. According to local prosecutor Yves Dupas, the situation intensified when an officer was struck in the face by a rock, prompting police to return fire after being shot at multiple times. Two protesters were wounded, with one later succumbing to injuries en route to the hospital. This incident follows a similar event in mid-July, where another alleged gunman was killed during police operations to dismantle roadblocks in the Mont-Doré district. The unrest in New Caledonia began in mid-May, fueled by opposition to a proposed expansion of the electoral roll that indigenous Kanak people fear would marginalize them and undermine their aspirations for independence. The protests have included road blockades and acts of vandalism, leading the French government to deploy thousands of troops and police to restore order. The proposed electoral changes, which would require amendments to the French Constitution, have been stalled since President Emmanuel Macron dissolved the Assemblée Nationale, resulting in a new lower house lacking a clear majority. The arrest of pro-independence activists on June 19 has further exacerbated tensions, contributing to the ongoing cycle of violence and unrest in the territory.