A proposal by the French parliament to amend New Caledonia's constitution to give the right to vote in elections to foreigners who moved to the region at least 10 years ago sparked local protests and riots that left at least five people dead. Recent events in Pacific New Caledonia are related to Azerbaijan in two ways.

Following mass protests in New Caledonia, the French Supreme Council declared martial law on the island. All demonstrations and actions are prohibited, social networks are blocked. Journalists' access to the island is restricted.