New Caledonia has announced a mass security mobilisation and a curfew for residents tonight after a protest turned into a violent riot in the country’s capital overnight.
The French territory’s Noumea International Airport is reportedly closed due to the riots, with flight tracker showing no planes have landed at the airport since 4 pm yesterday.
The only flight from Australia due to land in Noumea today is Qantas Flight 8693, which is still scheduled to land in the capital at 4.20 pm from Sydney.
The rioters damaged shops, pharmacies, car dealerships and video surveillance cameras, a statement from the High Commission of the Republic in New Caledonia said.
“Very intense public order disturbances took place last night in Nouméa and in neighbouring towns, and are still ongoing at this time, massively mobilising internal security and civil security forces,” the High Commission said in a French statement, converted to English.
“Many injuries have been reported among the police. No serious injuries were reported among the population.”
Police have made 36 arrests and a curfew is being put in place from 4 pm tonight until 6 am tomorrow, which will ban any gatherings in the area, weapons being carried and a ban on the sale of alcohol throughout the country.
“The High Commissioner condemns in the strongest terms these acts of violence, constituting serious attacks on people and property,” the statement said.
No cruise ships are expected to dock in Noumea (Grande Terre Island New Caledonia) this week.
Local media is reporting that the country has not experienced violence for many years.
It’s believed the constitutional bill aimed at expanding the electorate triggered the riots.
It began as a “peaceful mobilisation” but it became out of control, according to France Info.
More than 200 fires were reportedly started.
New Zealand media is reporting Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters will postpone his trip to the country.
