independence activists unsure, however completely established on the bottom | EUROtoday

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People occupy a pro-independence roadblock in La Tamoa, in the commune of Païta, New Caledonia, on May 19, 2024.

After per week of riots, the independence mobilization ought to proceed, regardless of doubts and questions. Several sections of the sphere motion coordination cell (CCAT) yesterday known as on activists to proceed area actions “peacefully and with respect for all”, with out succeeding in placing an finish to the clashes happening in Nouméa. The convoy of armored autos and cellular gendarmes left no probability for his or her filter barrier, a pile of burned vehicles, fences and branches, however slightly extra is required to discourage the ten or so independence activists who, since Monday 13 May, camped at a spot known as La Tamoa.

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“The gendarmes came by, we moved to the side. They pushed everything and we put everything back afterwards”says Jean-Charles (these interviewed didn’t want to give their title), on the controls of one of many six filter dams of the CCAT Païta-Boulouparis part. “Here, we follow the slogan, the fight is peaceful”, he assures. Flag in hand, head wrapped in a grey scarf and black glasses, Jean-Charles has not moved from the portion of highway assigned to him since Monday.

On the aspect of the highway, a base camp has been arrange. Sheltered from the solar and rain, an enormous thermos of scorching water is accessible. A dish of eels is simmering in a big forged iron pot positioned over a wooden hearth. “Come tomorrow morning, there will be eggs”says Jean-Charles, laughing, to the customer from Nouméa, who has to make do together with his closet funds because of the shortages hitting the capital.

“Politicians need to discuss now”

The fifty-year-old can not clarify the outbreak of violence affecting town: “Maybe there was no one to supervise the young people there. Here, I explain the instructions to them, and the rule is “no alcohol”. » But per week after the beginning of the mobilization, Jean-Charles wish to see an answer emerge: “Politicians need to talk now. » In the meantime, disciplined, he will do what the CCAT says.

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The entire RT1, territorial road number 1, on which the airport is located, is dotted with these roadblocks. Some are filtered during the day and closed at night, others not. In the Païta-Boulouparis sector, locations, times and functions were broadcast on social networks. The instruction is to let ambulances and emergency vehicles pass regardless of the time.

The driver is warned: in Bangou, for example, vehicles will be systematically searched on the way out and back. Beware of anyone carrying a gun. A burning vehicle indicates the proximity of the dam. Young people – some hooded, others masked – gesture to slow down. Sitting on neatly lined up plastic chairs, a row of ” old “ watch them busy. It feels like a customs check: after asking the driver if he is carrying weapons, he is asked to move to the side, time for young people just out of adolescence “to inspect the vehicle”. Goodbye, thanks and “be careful of the road”as they are saying right here.

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https://www.lemonde.fr/politique/article/2024/05/20/nouvelle-caledonie-les-militants-independantistes-dans-le-doute-mais-durablement-installes-sur-le-terrain_6234454_823448.html