Ballots and Bullets: France’s Latest Response to New Caledonia’s Unrest

Although the state of emergency was officially lifted on May 28, police in New Caledonia have taken delivery of a new weapon designed to quell riots—state-of-the-art armoured trucks, able to be fitted with machine guns and capable of going off-road. Minister of the Interior and Overseas Territories Gérald Darmanin said the vehicles, known as Centaur, can also fire tear gas from the turret and can carry up to ten people.   “These armoured vehicles will help the police put an end to all roadblocks and completely re-establish public order in the archipelago,” Mr. Darmanin said. “In the event of more serious threats, such as a terrorist attack, which would involve the use of armed force, the Centaur may be equipped with a 7.62 remotely operated machine gun.”...