The Minister of the Interior stated that twelve people had been arrested and 26 roadblocks dismantled during this ‘major operation’ in Rivière-Salée

According to information from H24 MEDIA on Friday 31 May, the French High Commissioner in New Caledonia announced that the forces of law and order had regained control of all neighbourhoods in Nouméa.

One of the most significant operations was the takeover of the Petro Attiti vocational school in Rivière Salée, the last neighbourhood outside the control of the authorities. This operation mobilised 400 agents, including members of the GIGN, the RAID, four gendarmerie squads and a helicopter.

Control of the establishment was regained via the roof and twelve people were arrested.

‘Congratulations to the police, the RAID and the GIGN, for their courageous action’, Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said on X

Tensions around the airport
Meanwhile, Nouméa-La Tontouta international airport, which has been closed to commercial flights since 14 May and was initially scheduled to reopen on Sunday, will remain closed until Monday morning, according to Aircalin, citing the State representative.

For several days now, the police have been clearing the strategic road linking Noumea to the airport, removing debris and the wreckage of burnt-out vehicles left behind by the violence, on a road that is badly damaged in places.

More than 1,600 French and foreign tourists were evacuated by the authorities from Magenta airport via military flights chartered by France, Australia and New Zealand.

The crisis left seven people dead, including two gendarmes. A state of emergency was in force for a dozen days and a curfew is still in place. However, tensions have eased considerably in recent days, although roadblocks continue sporadically and fires break out from time to time.