New Caledonia is witnessing a resurgence of violence after six weeks of tensions. Several buildings, including a municipal police station and a town hall, were set on fire during the night of Sunday June 23 to Monday June 24, marked by numerous clashes between separatists and the police in Greater Nouméa, which left one person injured.
“The night was agitated and marked by unrest throughout the main land, on the island of Pins and Maré, requiring the intervention of numerous reinforcements: attacks by the police, arson and dams »the high commission, representative of the French State in New Caledonia, said in a press release on Monday.
In Dumbéa, north of Nouméa, the municipal police premises burned, as well as a garage. Four armored vehicles, including one of the latest generation (Centaur type), intervened, noted a journalist from Agence France-Presse (AFP). Several fires broke out, particularly in Ducos and in the Magenta district. Clashes took place between the police and separatists in Bourail, which resulted in one injured person, AFP learned.
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Many schools closed
The high commission reported “several fires brought under control”particularly in Ducos and the Magenta district, adding that “the premises and vehicles of the municipal police and private vehicles” were set on fire. “Abuses, destruction and attempted arsons were also committed in several places on Paita”added the high commission, stressing that “the territorial brigade of Maré was also attacked”.
On Monday morning, many schools were closed due to renewed violence and the expressway leading to the hospital was blocked on both sides, at the Apogoti Scholars Bridge.
The South Pacific archipelago has been plagued by violent unrest since May 13, stemming from protests over an electoral thaw bill. The events left nine dead, including two gendarmes, and immense damage, amounting to more than a billion euros. On Saturday, seven activists linked to the independence movement of the Field Action Coordination Cell (CCAT), alleged sponsors of the revolt, were indicted and sent to mainland France for pre-trial detention.
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