French World Cup winner Christian Karembeu, known for his career in clubs such as Real Madrid and Olympiakos, revealed that his niece and nephew were among the seven people killed during recent violence in New Caledonia. The unrest is linked to controversial voting reforms in the French Pacific territory, which has ignited protests led by the indigenous Kanak community. Karembeu, a member of this community, expressed his grief and called for investigations into the murders.

The conflict stems from proposed changes that would expand voting rights to more French residents who have lived in New Caledonia for at least 10 years. This has sparked significant backlash from the Kanak community, who view the reforms as a threat to their political influence.

In response to the violence, French President Emmanuel Macron has decided to lift the state of emergency in New Caledonia, effective Monday at 8 p.m. Paris time (5 a.m. local time). The state of emergency had been in place to give authorities expanded powers to handle the unrest, including curfews and restrictions on gatherings, transport, and the sale of alcohol. The main international airport, La Tontouta, will remain closed until June 2, while the Magenta regional airport continues to facilitate military evacuations.

The state of emergency had been imposed to manage the immediate violence, but Macron’s office stated the need to foster political dialogue by ending the emergency measures. Security reinforcements are expected, with 480 additional gendarmes arriving to enhance the current force.

During the violence, seven people had been killed, including three Kanak community members and two gendarmes. The unrest began after protests against Macron’s proposed electoral reforms in New Caledonia turned violent, leading to tragic outcomes. The lifting of the state of emergency is intended to pave the way for dialogue between the diverse factions involved.