The curfew, which has been in effect in New Caledonia since May, will be relaxed starting on Monday, November 4th. It will now be applied from midnight to 5 am, and restrictions on the sale of alcohol will also be eased, according to the High Commission of the Republic of this territory. This decision is based on the gradual improvement in security conditions observed across the territory in recent weeks. The curfew was imposed following violent tensions that erupted on May 13th, linked to protests against an electoral reform criticized by the independence movement. Thirteen people, including two gendarmes, were killed, hundreds were injured, and the material damage is estimated to be at least 2.2 billion euros.
The curfew, initially set from 6 pm to 6 am, has been gradually relaxed since it was first imposed. The new hours, from midnight to 5 am, will be in effect until November 18th, when the situation will be reassessed. The sale of alcohol for takeaway, which was restricted to specific quantities and hours since June 10th, will also be expanded. Sales are permitted again on Saturday mornings, while weekday opening hours (8 am to 6 pm from Monday to Thursday and 8 am to noon on Fridays) remain unchanged. The allowed quantities also remain the same: four liters for beer or cider, two liters for wine, and a maximum of one liter for spirits. These measures will be in effect until November 18th.
Certain other restrictions remain in place, such as the prohibition of carrying firearms, transporting fuel in jerrycans, and holding gatherings in the capital, Nouméa, and its surroundings. These measures are still enforced across the entire territory to maintain security and public safety. The situation will continue to be monitored and adjustments may be made as needed to ensure the stability and wellbeing of the population. The High Commission continues to work towards maintaining order and peace in New Caledonia amidst the ongoing challenges and tensions within the community.
The decision to ease the curfew and relax restrictions on alcohol sales comes as a response to the improving security situation in New Caledonia. The violence and unrest that erupted in May due to the electoral reform dispute have resulted in significant casualties and material damage. The government is taking steps to gradually return to a sense of normalcy while still ensuring the safety and security of residents. The reassessment scheduled for November 18th will provide an opportunity to evaluate the impact of these adjustments and determine any further changes needed to address the evolving situation.
Overall, the measures announced by the High Commission of the Republic of New Caledonia aim to balance the need for security and public safety with the desire to ease restrictions and allow for some normalcy to return to the territory. As tensions begin to subside and security conditions improve, the government is taking steps to gradually relax certain measures while maintaining others to prevent further incidents of violence or unrest. Keeping a close eye on the situation, authorities will continue to monitor developments and make adjustments as necessary to ensure the wellbeing and security of all residents in New Caledonia.
