In New Caledonia, the ban on gatherings and the curfew prolonged till mid-September | EUROtoday

Restrictions on the sale of alcohol, the curfew and the ban on gatherings are being prolonged in September in New Caledonia, the High Commission of the Republic introduced on Friday, September 6. These are: “to prevent serious disturbances to public order which could recur in the coming weeks”he justified in a press launch, whereas this Pacific territory has been going through violent clashes between Kanak independence fighters, loyalists and regulation enforcement for nearly 4 months.

“The restrictive measures specific to the curfew [en vigueur de 22 heures à 5 heures] and the sale and transport of weapons remain in force throughout the territory until Monday, September 16 at 5 a.m.specifies the press release from the State services. Gatherings, demonstrations and processions will be prohibited in the municipalities of Nouméa, Dumbéa, Païta and Mont-Dore until September 30.

Restrictions on the sale of gasoline

Restrictions on the sale of alcohol have also been extended until September 16. Other restrictions – on the sale of petrol, intended in particular to prevent possible arson attacks – have also been extended until September 16.

The riots, caused by the vote in May on a constitutional bill reforming the archipelago's electorate, suspended since the dissolution of the National Assembly in early June, are the most serious in forty years.

Eleven people have died since the start of the clashes and the destruction, looting and fires have caused at least 2.2 billion euros of damage, according to local government figures.