New Caledonia is currently shaken by tragic events which took a serious turn during the night from Sunday to Monday. Fires broke out in several towns, public buildings such as a police station and a town hall were ravaged by flames, and violent clashes broke out between separatists and the police. This situation of chaos and violence marks a sad turning point after six weeks of constant tensions in the archipelago.
The most critical situation took place in Dumbéa, north of Nouméa, where the municipal police premises were set on fire, as was a garage. Violent clashes broke out between the police and separatists in Bourail, leaving one victim injured. Authorities also reported several controlled fires in Nouméa, notably in Ducos and the Magenta district, where buildings and vehicles were destroyed. Acts of vandalism were also reported in Païta, north of Nouméa, where the Maré territorial brigade was attacked.
This escalation of violence led to the closure of many schools and disrupted traffic around the hospital. Since May 13, New Caledonia has been in the grip of intense social and political protest, following disagreements over an electoral bill. These events have already cost the lives of nine people, including two gendarmes, and caused significant material damage estimated at more than a billion euros.
Last Saturday, seven independence activists were charged and transferred to pre-trial detention in mainland France. These individuals were linked to a collective suspected of being at the origin of the unrest and violence against the ongoing electoral reform. This legal measure underlines the seriousness of the situation and the desire of the authorities to respond firmly to these acts of violence.
New Caledonia, a French territory in the South Pacific, is facing a deep crisis, marked by extreme political and social tensions. It is essential that measures of calm and dialogue are put in place to prevent new episodes of violence and advance the conflict resolution process in this region.