05 Sep 2024 | 04:09 AM UTC
New Caledonia: Territorywide security restrictions extended through Sept. 16 amid continued disruptions and risk of violence /update 20
Extended security curbs including nightly curfew to continue across New Caledonia through Sept. 16. Sporadic violence, disruptions reported.
Authorities in New Caledonia will maintain an ongoing territory-wide 22:00-05:00 curfew through at least Sept. 16. Additional restrictions, such as a ban on unauthorized public gatherings and the transportation of weapons, will also remain in effect until further notice; further extensions of these measures are highly likely. Ongoing curbs on alcohol sales include a ban on delivery services, quantity limits, and restriction of sales to between 09:00-17:00 on Monday-Thursday and 09:00-12:00 on Fridays. The pro-independence group Cellule de Coordination des Actions de Terrain (CCAT) has announced that it will hold demonstrations on the 13th day of every month, mainly in Noumea and parts of North Province. Additional protests and counterprotests will also be possible in the coming days.
Sporadic violence continues, with occasional disruptive rallies, prolonged road blockades, as well as acts of arson and vandalism targeting government buildings, retail outlets, and emergency vehicles. The worst affected areas include the outer regions of Greater Noumea, Bourail, Dumbea, and Mont-Dore. Two provincial officers were attacked with projectiles and Molotov cocktails in the Isle of Pines on Aug. 31, underlining the continued risk for government and security entities. Fresh escalations are likely over any protester deaths due to police action, as well as perceptions of unfair treatment or unfavorable verdicts affecting detained pro-independence activists in France.
Emergency services at Chepenehe Medical Center in Lifou, Paula-Thavoavianon Hospital in Koumac, and Raymond-Doui-Nebayes Hospital in Poindimie have been severely affected since early August due to the limited availability of doctors.
Commercial and transport services continue to reopen gradually across the territory. Fuel stations in the North Province, Dumbea, and Noumea have resumed limited operations. Limited schools across the territory have reopened, though closures at short notice remain possible. Commercial flights have restarted; La Tontouta International Airport (NOU) is open for international services, and Noumea Magenta Airport (GEA) is also open for domestic flights. However, Air New Zealand (NZ) has halted flights from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Noumea Magenta Airport until Dec. 14, while Air Calin (SB) has limited international services through September; similar moves may limit flight availability until the situation normalizes. While five lines of the Rai bus service have resumed operations on the West Coast, Taneo and other Rai buses remain canceled. Ferry services from Noumea to Lifou and Mare and bus services in Lifou are available.
Heightened security measures and lingering disruptions will likely persist territorywide in the medium term. Over 3,000 security personnel will remain deployed across the territory until further notice to ensure order. Potential gathering sites for additional protests 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 in Australia, the UK, and the US continue to advise their citizens to reconsider travel to all or part of the territory; other countries may revise their travel advisories if significant violence persists.
Lingering disruptions will likely persist in the coming days even as commercial operations resume. Precautionary business closures, especially in Noumea, are possible due to the threat of recurring violence and a potential increase in opportunistic crimes.
Avoid concentrations of security personnel and people, as well as navigating roadblocks due to the potential for violence. Consider limiting movements while the situation stabilizes; remain indoors during curfew hours. Confirm road status and any available protest information before travel to and within Noumea. Plan for business disruptions and ensure access to essential items. Confirm ground transport and flight arrangements beforehand; do not check out of accommodation without confirming onward travel. Heed all security, traffic, and travel advisories.
The curbs came into effect 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 10 people dead, over 212 security personnel injured, and over 2, 600 people arrested.
