Exacerbated tensions are shaking the archipelago, linked to the examination of a constitutional reform by the National Assembly. The aim of this initiative is to enlarge the electorate for the provincial elections, which are of crucial importance in New Caledonia

The situation on the Caledonian archipelago has reached a critical point. The French High Commission in New Caledonia has decreed a curfew for the night of Tuesday 14 May to Wednesday 15 May in the Noumea conurbation, following ‘very intense’ unrest in reaction to the examination in Paris of a constitutional reform disputed by the pro-independence movement.

The curfew is in force from 6 p.m. on Tuesday to 6 a.m. on Wednesday, as announced in a press release by the State representative in this South Pacific territory. In addition, all gatherings are now banned in Greater Noumea, as are the carrying of weapons and the sale of alcohol throughout New Caledonia, with an appeal to the territory’s 270,000 inhabitants to stay at home.

Rioting broke out in several towns, with vehicle fires, looting, roadblocks and arrests. The violence took place while debates on constitutional reform were underway in Paris. Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin urged MPs to pass the reform unchanged, which would open the New Caledonian provincial ballot to residents who have been established on the island for at least ten years.

At the entrance to New Caledonia’s ‘capital’, a large factory specialising in bottling was deliberately set on fire and completely destroyed by the flames. Several supermarkets were looted in Nouméa, as well as in the neighbouring towns of Dumbéa and Le Mont-Dore. At least two car dealerships were also torched. The police were confronted by young, masked or hooded demonstrators, who took control of several roundabouts.