It was stated in a communiqué issued on Monday by the Elysee that seven additional mobile force units will arrive as reinforcements in New Caledonia; moreover, the statement mentioned that a state of emergency would end as planned in the French Pacific territory on Tuesday morning local time.
The state of emergency would be lifted on Monday evening at 8:00 p.m. in Paris (Tuesday 5:00 a.m. in Noumea).
Seven people have been killed, hundreds arrested and many buildings and cars burnt down over two weeks of unrest sparked by disputed electoral reforms and driven by stark economic inequalities between the Kanak minority and Europeans.
A day after French President Emmanuel Macron had travelled to this part of France to ease tensions, Police shot dead one person on Friday night.
This will bring to about 3,500 the number of French security forces stationed in this Pacific territory when an extra contingent of 480 gendarmes is deployed.
Additionally, he did not extend or renew the state of emergency thus demonstrating that Paris was keen to begin a de-escalation process and create conditions for dialogue, according to what was stated in the press release.
On its part, FLNKS – Kanak Socialist National Liberation Front -the main pro-independence political coalition said Saturday issueing a communique that priority must be given to soothing tensions with non-repressive political solutions being the only way out
According tonthe french statement “the lifting of the State” what it meant was that FLNKS were free again having had all their roadblocks removed.”
Moreover Mr. Macron “recalls that the lifting off roadblocks is necessary condition for opening concrete and serious negotiations.”
In addition Christian Tein from CCAT (Field Action Coordination Cell), responsible for blocking all roads across islands making it impossible for anyone even access food and medicine supplies clearly stated last friday ”Je vous rappelle que nous restons mobilisés, nous maintenons la résistance chez nous dans nos quartiers de façons structurée et organisée”
However, there hasn’t been any announcement made by the local authorities in New Caledonia regarding when the curfew would be lifted.
To be clear, Noumea international airport will remain closed until June 2.
