In the streets of Nouméa, barricades have been set up by neighborhood committees in response to ongoing riots. These barricades are manned by groups of residents who require anyone passing through to prove their identity. Most of these barricades have weapons, though firearms are not prominently displayed. The situation escalated on Tuesday, May 14, when several people were killed in the violence. The High Commissioner of the Republic, Louis Le Franc, confirmed the deaths, including two young Kanak individuals allegedly killed by members of the white community. By Wednesday, the death toll had risen to four, including a gendarme who was seriously injured the night before.
The formation of armed militias in response to the unrest has evoked memories of the civil war in the 1980s for many Kanak residents. Rumors of punitive expeditions and violence against young Oceanians have spread through instant messaging platforms, accompanied by disturbing imagery. A video showing a white man deliberately firing at young Kanak individuals in the Magenta neighborhood has further heightened tensions. Despite the denial of being militias, some neighborhood committees claim to be acting as “vigilant neighbors” or civil defense groups. The situation varies greatly depending on the neighborhood, with some residents taking actions to protect their community from the riots.
In the affluent Mont-Coffyn neighborhood, residents set up a makeshift checkpoint using tree trunks, branches, and a brouette to secure their area. While some neighborhoods have resorted to arming themselves for protection, the residents of Mont-Coffyn have chosen not to carry weapons, opting instead for vigilance and a sense of community. The decision to set up these checkpoints was driven by the fear of looting and violence seen in other parts of the city. As tensions continue to rise, the situation remains dynamic, with some residents opting for peaceful vigilance while others resort to more aggressive measures.
The situation in Nouméa has prompted the deployment of the army to secure ports and the airport, while social media platforms like TikTok have been banned. The High Commissioner has urged calm and called for an end to the formation of armed militias. The conflict between different ethnic groups has fueled fears of further violence and reprisals, as the memory of past civil strife looms large over the current unrest. For now, neighborhoods in Nouméa remain on edge, with community groups attempting to navigate a delicate balance between security and aggression in a volatile and uncertain environment. As the situation continues to develop, the city braces for further potential escalation of tensions and violence.
