Several buildings, including a municipal police station and a town hall, were set on fire during the night of Sunday June 23 to Monday June 24, marked by numerous clashes between separatists and the police in Greater Nouméa, leaving one injured. The island is experiencing a resurgence of violence after six weeks of tensions.
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“ The night was agitated and marked by unrest throughout the main land, on the island of Pins and Maré, requiring the intervention of numerous reinforcements: attacks by the police, arson and roadblocks », indicated this Monday in a press release the High Commission, representative of the French State in New Caledonia.
In Dumbéa, north of Nouméa, the municipal police premises burned as well as a garage. Four armored vehicles, including one of the latest generation, a Centaur, intervened, noted an AFP journalist.
Several fires broke out, particularly in Ducos and in the Magenta district. Clashes took place between the police and separatists in Bourail, which resulted in one injury. The High Commission reported “ several fires brought under control “, particularly in Ducos and the Magenta district, adding that “ premises and vehicles of the municipal police and private vehicles » were set on fire.
Many schools closed this Monday morning
“ Abuses, destruction and attempted arsons were also committed in several places on Paita », added the High Commission, stressing that “ the territorial brigade of Maré was also attacked. »
This Monday morning, many schools are closed due to renewed violence and the expressway leading to the hospital is blocked on both sides, at the Apogoti Scholars Bridge.
The South Pacific archipelago has been plagued by violent unrest since May 13, stemming from protests over an electoral thaw bill. The events left nine dead, including two gendarmes, and immense damage, amounting to more than a billion euros. This Saturday, seven activists linked to the independence movement of the Field Action Coordination Cell (CCAT), alleged sponsors of the revolt, were indicted and sent to mainland France on remand.
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