Nouméa international airport, closed since May 14 due to high tensions in New Caledonia, will reopen during the day from Monday, the High Commission of the French Republic announced on Sunday. The curfew has been extended from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Since May 13 and the contestation of a constitutional reform bill in favor of unfreezing the electoral body, violence has arisen in the French archipelago in the South Pacific, causing nine deaths and very significant damage.
>> On the subject: “Insurgent situation”, “state of civil war”; but why is New Caledonia burning?
The decision to reopen the airport was taken due to “daytime traffic […] made possible on the RT1”, a double expressway linking the center of Nouméa to the international airport of La Tontouta. It remained inaccessible for a long time because of the numerous roadblocks installed by the independence demonstrators.
Only a few rare flights, by exemption, had been able to take place recently, with passengers placed on waiting lists. Police officers have been regularly clearing the road for a week, ensuring that the roadblocks are not rebuilt after their passage.
Shortened curfew
As for the curfew, which runs until 6:00 a.m., the high commission has postponed its start by two hours “in view of the improvement in the situation and in order to facilitate the gradual return to normal life”. The curfew was introduced on May 14, then the state of emergency on May 15, the latter having been lifted on May 28.
“The ban on the sale of alcohol (exception for wine merchants), the sale and transport of weapons are extended,” the high commission also recalled.
For their part, primary, middle and high school students will gradually return to school on Monday, depending on the areas and establishments.
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