The archipelago is experiencing strong tensions linked to a constitutional reform examined by the National Assembly. The latter aims to expand the electorate in provincial elections, crucial in New Caledonia.
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Tension has risen a notch on the Caledonian archipelago. The High Commission of the Republic in New Caledonia announced a curfew for the night of Tuesday May 14 to Wednesday May 15 in the urban area of Nouméa, scene of unrest of a “high intensity” echoing the examination in Paris of a constitutional reform denounced by the separatists.
The curfew is decreed from Tuesday at 6 p.m. to Wednesday at 6 a.m., the state representative in this South Pacific territory announced in a press release. In addition, any gathering is prohibited in greater Nouméa, as is the carrying of weapons and the sale of alcohol throughout New Caledonia, adds the high commission which invites the 270,000 inhabitants of the territory to stay home.
Riots in several cities
Vehicles set on fire, looting, filter dams, arrests… On the Caillou, violence punctuated the day and evening of Monday, as debates on constitutional reform opened in Paris. Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin called on deputies to adopt without modification this reform, which opens the Caledonian provincial election to residents who have lived on the island for at least ten years.
At the entrance to the Caledonian “capital”, a large factory specializing in bottling was the victim of an arson attack and completely ravaged by flames. Several supermarkets were looted in Nouméa, but also in the neighboring towns of Dumbéa and Mont-Dore. At least two car dealerships were also set on fire. The mobile gendarmes and police officers faced young masked or hooded demonstrators, who took over several roundabouts.
