Restrictions on the sale of alcohol, the curfew and the ban on gatherings will be extended in September in New Caledonia, the High Commission of the Republic announced on Friday, September 6. This is “avoid serious disturbances to public order that will probably be repeated in the coming weeks”the statement said, as the Pacific territory has been facing violent clashes between Kanak separatists, loyalists and the police for nearly four months.
“The specific restrictive measures of the curfew [en vigueur de 22 heures à 5 heures] and the sale and transport of weapons remain in effect throughout the territory until Monday, September 16 at 5 am”The press release issued by the state services states that gatherings, demonstrations and processions will be banned in the municipalities of Noumea, Dumbéa, Païta and Mont-Dore until 30 September.
Restrictions on the sale of gasoline.
Restrictions on the sale of alcohol are also extended until 16 September. Other restrictions, concerning the sale of petrol, aimed in particular at preventing possible arson, are also extended until 16 September.
The unrest, sparked by the vote in May on a constitutional bill reforming the archipelago’s electoral body, suspended since the dissolution of the National Assembly in early June, is the most serious in forty years.
Eleven people have died since the clashes began and destruction, looting and fires have caused damages of at least 2.2 billion euros, according to local government figures.
