Radio Free never accepts money from corporations, governments or billionaires – keeping the focus on supporting independent media for people, not profits. Since 2010, Radio Free has supported the work of thousands of independent journalists, learn more about how your donation helps improve journalism for everyone.

Make a monthly donation of any amount to support independent media.





‘A lot of fire, violence’: Nouméa erupts as protests halt New Caledonia

RNZ Pacific New Caledonians lined up in long queues outside shopping centres to buy supplies in the capital Nouméa today amid political unrest in the French territory Demonstrations, marches and clashes with security forces erupted yesterday and French High Commissioner Louis Le Franc told the public broadcaster he had called for reinforcements to maintain law

RNZ Pacific

New Caledonians lined up in long queues outside shopping centres to buy supplies in the capital Nouméa today amid political unrest in the French territory

Demonstrations, marches and clashes with security forces erupted yesterday and French High Commissioner Louis Le Franc told the public broadcaster he had called for reinforcements to maintain law and order.

The unrest comes amid proposed constitutional changes, which could strengthen voting rights for anti-independence supporters in New Caledonia.

A Nouméa resident, who wished to remain anonymous, told RNZ Pacific people had started “panic buying” in scenes reminiscent of the covid-19 pandemic.

“A lot of fire, violence . . . but it’s better. I stay safe at home. There are a lot of police and army. I want the government to put the action for the peace [sic].”

The unrest comes amid proposed constitutional changes, which could strengthen voting rights for anti-independence supporters in New Caledonia.
The unrest comes amid proposed constitutional changes, which could strengthen voting rights for anti-independence supporters in New Caledonia. Image: Screenshot/NC la 1ère/RNZ

Authorities have imposed a curfew for Nouméa and its surrounds, from 6pm tonight to 6am tomorrow.

Airports are closed due to protest action.

Public services and schools in the affected areas announced they were sending staff and students home on Monday, and that they would remain closed for the next few days.

Meanwhile, New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters, who is on a five-country Pacific mission this week, has cancelled his visit to New Caledonia due to the unrest.

Peters and a delegation of other ministers were due to visit the capital Nouméa later this week.

This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.


This content originally appeared on Asia Pacific Report and was authored by APR editor.


Print Share Comment Cite Upload Translate Updates

Leave a Reply

APA

APR editor | Radio Free (2024-05-14T04:05:24+00:00) ‘A lot of fire, violence’: Nouméa erupts as protests halt New Caledonia. Retrieved from https://www.radiofree.org/2024/05/14/a-lot-of-fire-violence-noumea-erupts-as-protests-halt-new-caledonia/

MLA
" » ‘A lot of fire, violence’: Nouméa erupts as protests halt New Caledonia." APR editor | Radio Free - Tuesday May 14, 2024, https://www.radiofree.org/2024/05/14/a-lot-of-fire-violence-noumea-erupts-as-protests-halt-new-caledonia/
HARVARD
APR editor | Radio Free Tuesday May 14, 2024 » ‘A lot of fire, violence’: Nouméa erupts as protests halt New Caledonia., viewed ,<https://www.radiofree.org/2024/05/14/a-lot-of-fire-violence-noumea-erupts-as-protests-halt-new-caledonia/>
VANCOUVER
APR editor | Radio Free - » ‘A lot of fire, violence’: Nouméa erupts as protests halt New Caledonia. [Internet]. [Accessed ]. Available from: https://www.radiofree.org/2024/05/14/a-lot-of-fire-violence-noumea-erupts-as-protests-halt-new-caledonia/
CHICAGO
" » ‘A lot of fire, violence’: Nouméa erupts as protests halt New Caledonia." APR editor | Radio Free - Accessed . https://www.radiofree.org/2024/05/14/a-lot-of-fire-violence-noumea-erupts-as-protests-halt-new-caledonia/
IEEE
" » ‘A lot of fire, violence’: Nouméa erupts as protests halt New Caledonia." APR editor | Radio Free [Online]. Available: https://www.radiofree.org/2024/05/14/a-lot-of-fire-violence-noumea-erupts-as-protests-halt-new-caledonia/. [Accessed: ]
rf:citation
» ‘A lot of fire, violence’: Nouméa erupts as protests halt New Caledonia | APR editor | Radio Free | https://www.radiofree.org/2024/05/14/a-lot-of-fire-violence-noumea-erupts-as-protests-halt-new-caledonia/ |

Please log in to upload a file.



There are no updates yet.
Click the Upload button above to add an update.

You must be logged in to translate posts. Please log in or register.