Lost family in the violence: "Shot in the head"

New Caledonia

The soccer star in mourning after the chaos on the paradise island: "My family was shot in the head"

Emil Forsberg

Published 00.27

Seven people have been killed in the violence in New Caledonia.

Two of them are part of the family of former soccer star Christian Karembeu.

- They were shot in the head, he says.

Now Macron is opening negotiations with the protesters.

Quick version

• Seven people have been killed in New Caledonia during violent demonstrations against control of the French-ruled territory, two of them relatives of the former soccer star Christian Karembeu.
• The protests began after a law change that allows those who have lived in New Caledonia for 10 years to participate in provincial elections, a decision that threatens the influence of the indigenous Kanak people.
• French President Emmanuel Macron is opening negotiations with the protesters to try to calm the situation.

For the past two weeks, New Caledonia has been rocked by violence between protesters and elite French forces.

Seven people have been killed in the chaos as the military tries to regain control of the French-ruled Pacific territory.

Now the former French national team member Christian Karembeu, 53, says that two of the dead are his niece and his nephew.

- I lost family members, that's why I've been quiet. I'm grieving. Two people in my family were shot in the head, he tells Europe 1.

Karembeu, who won the World Cup, European Championship and Champions League, says he hopes the murders will be investigated.

- You cannot kill people with impunity, he says.

On Monday evening, the French government announced that the state of emergency was being lifted and that an additional 480 soldiers would reinforce the security forces on the ground "within the coming hours": France has sent a total of 3,500 troops to the island.

 

Former soccer star Christian Karembeu.
Burned out cars on paradise island.

1 / 2Photo: Alamy Stock Photo

Macron opens for negotiation

The protests broke out after the amendment to the French constitution that will allow residents who have lived in New Caledonia for ten years to vote in the provincial elections in the French colony.

Something that is seen as a threat to the indigenous Kanak population's vote share and influence.

Macron says he is prepared to discuss the demands of the Canucks and has given them until the end of June to outline a deal, reports Le Parisien.

- It is a gesture to calm the situation and to show openness, but I will never make a decision to postpone or withdraw anything under threat of violence, Macron told the newspaper.

 

French President Emmanuel Macron.
Tourists have had to evacuate the island after the violence.1 / 2