Buildings were set on fire after the arrest of seven independence activists, suspected of abuses during Sunday’s riots.
Some were sent to mainland France, which reignited the situation.
Cornered, gendarmes strive to resist the repeated attacks of the rioters. For 48 hours this Monday, Grande Terre, the main island of Nouméa, has been facing renewed tension. Several public buildings including the municipal police premises were set on fire. Some dams have been reconstituted.
“Phases of clashes which resume”
“Free our prisoners“, chant activists who do not let up after the arrest and subsequent transfer to mainland France of seven activists accused of having fomented the riots. Among them, there is Christian Tein, the leader of the CCAT. The clashes are now concentrated in Dumbéa, north of Nouméa This Monday morning, the residents could only see the new destruction.Above all, we have the impression that it will never stop. It’s quite long and it picks up. We are already in the seventh week of conflict with slightly softer phases and phases of clashes which resume“, describes Andy Bonhomme, resident of Sainte-Marie.
Proof of this ultra-violence, rioters attack an armored vehicle which clears the road. A little further on, others are attacking a 4X4. On their way to the Dumbéa hospital, firefighters came under fire with live ammunition. There are 2,500 members of the police who are further strengthening the workforce on site. The curfew is still in effect between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
