New Caledonia: Authorities extend nightly territory-wide curfew through 10:00 June 17 /update 10

Authorities announced the extension of the nightly 18:00-06:00 curfew throughout New Caledonia through at least June 17, following an incident between armed police and citizens which resulted in one new fatality June 8. Additional restrictions, such as a ban on unauthorized public gatherings, the sale of alcohol, and the transportation of weapons, will continue to remain in place. As of June 9, La Tontouta International Airport (NOU) remains closed to the public; however, limited flights by Aircalin (SB) between the territory and several other countries, such as Australia, Fiji, Singapore, and Wallis, have resumed. The Noumea Magenta Airport (GEA) is open, and domestic flights by Air Caledonie (TY) connecting Noumea with Isle of Pines, Lifou, Mare, and Ouvea are available.

Commercial and transport services continue to reopen gradually across the territory. Gas stations in the North Province and in Dumbea and Noumea have resumed limited operations. Schools across the territory will remain closed through at least mid-June. While the Taneo and Rai buses in Noumea remain canceled, several transport operators, including ferry services from Noumea to Lifou and Mare, as well as bus services in Lifou, have resumed operations.

Heightened security measures and lingering disruptions will likely persist territorywide over the coming weeks. Over 3,000 security personnel will remain deployed across the territory through at least mid-August to ensure order. Fresh escalations are especially possible if negotiations with pro-independence groups fail in the coming weeks. 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. In the event of widespread violence, officials may reimpose the state of emergency; under such orders, authorities have additional powers to close public spaces, conduct administrative searches, block websites deemed a security risk, and conduct residential subpoenas. Officials of Australia, the UK, and the US continue to advise their citizens to reconsider travel to all or part of the island; other countries may revise their travel advisories if significant violence persists.

Lingering disruptions, such as long queues for essential items, will likely persist in the coming days even as commercial operations resume. Precautionary business closures, especially in Noumea, cannot be ruled out due to the threat of recurring violence and a potential increase in opportunistic crimes.