New Caledonia: Tight security, curfew, and disruptions to persist territorywide as of May 28 after lifting of state of emergency /update 8

Authorities have lifted a state of emergency across New Caledonia as of 05:00 May 28; the curbs came into effect May 16 following violent unrest after the French Parliament approved the expansion of voting rights to long-term residents. Incidents of widespread arson, looting, rioting, and clashes have occurred since May 13, leaving at least seven people dead, over 100 security personnel injured, and 500 people arrested. Violent protests, heightened security measures, and associated disruptions will likely persist territorywide through at least mid-June. Fresh escalations are especially possible if negotiations with pro-independence groups fail in the coming weeks.

A nightly 18:00-06:00 curfew continues until further notice, with additional restrictions such as a ban on unauthorized public gatherings, the sale of alcohol, and the transportation of weapons. Over 3,000 security personnel remain deployed across the territory to secure access to ports and the La Tontouta International Airport (NOU). Officials have also banned the TikTok social media application. The state of emergency may be reimposed in case of fresh widespread violence; under such orders, officials have additional powers to close public spaces, conduct administrative searches, block websites deemed a security risk, and conduct residential subpoenas.

Officials of Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States advise their citizens to reconsider travel to all or part of the island; other countries may revise their travel advisories if significant violence persists.

Civil Unrest
Further pro-independence protests and related violence will likely continue despite ongoing security measures. Potential gathering sites include military barracks, government buildings such as the Congress of New Caledonia and the High Commission of the Republic offices, public squares, and thoroughfares. The largest gatherings will probably continue to materialize in downtown Noumea. Well-attended gatherings have previously drawn tens of thousands of participants. Reports indicate the use of firearms by both protesters and security forces, sustaining the risk of further violent altercations. Security forces may use live ammunition/batons/tear gas/water cannons to disperse unruly crowds.

Transport Disruptions
The tensions have caused related disruptions to air, ground, and maritime transport services. The La Tontouta International Airport remains closed for commercial operations through at least June 2; several foreign governments, including Australia and New Zealand, have begun repatriation of their citizens from New Caledonia through chartered military aircraft. All commercial airplanes, including flights operated by Aircalin (SB) and Air Caledonie (TY) carriers, as well as the Taneo and Rai bus operations, remain canceled. While the emergency maritime shuttle system between Boulari, Noumea, and Vallon-Dore has resumed limited operations, commercial ferries between Noumea and the Isle of Pines remain suspended. Protester or police roadblocks continue along major roads in several locations, including Dumbea, La Conception, Mont-Dore, Noumea, and Saint-Louis. Damaged vehicles and debris also continue to disrupt traffic along several routes in Greater Noumea.

Commercial Disruptions
While several pharmacies, banks, and at least 21 large supermarkets have gradually reopened, schools across the territory remain closed. At least 30 business premises, including shops and factories, have faced looting and arson attacks, resulting in property and vehicular damage. Parts of Greater Noumea, including Dumbea, Kamere, Noumea, and Paita, were most affected, with the worst damage in Magenta District within Noumea. The unrest has triggered long queues for stockpiling essential items such as food, fuel, and medicine amid the closure of some stores and gas stations, potentially prompting artificial shortages in the coming days. Precautionary business closures, especially in Noumea, cannot be ruled out due to the threat of protest violence and a potential increase in opportunistic crimes.