The mayor of Nouméa, Sonia Lagarde, stated that the situation in New Caledonia is far from being calm. While the last two nights have been relatively peaceful, there continue to be incidents of fires and disturbances during the day. Lagarde mentioned that barricades have been erected in one eastern neighborhood of Nouméa by independence supporters, indicating that tensions have not subsided despite calls for calm.
Lagarde expressed her dismay at the extent of the damage caused by the recent unrest, noting that municipal buildings, libraries, and schools have been destroyed or damaged. She mentioned that the total cost of the damages is impossible to estimate accurately but local sources have suggested it could be as high as 200 million euros. Lagarde emphasized the emotional toll of witnessing public and private property being destroyed, describing the situation as a source of immense sadness.
The mayor called for an end to the violence and urged all parties involved to seek peace and dialogue as a means of resolving the ongoing conflict. She highlighted the need for healing and reconciliation in the community in order to move forward. Lagarde emphasized the value of communication and understanding between different groups in New Caledonia in order to address the root causes of the unrest.
Despite the challenges and setbacks, Lagarde remained hopeful that a peaceful resolution could be found through dialogue and negotiation. She emphasized the importance of respecting each other’s perspectives and finding common ground in order to build a more harmonious society. Lagarde expressed her commitment to working towards a peaceful and inclusive future for New Caledonia, emphasizing the need for unity and cooperation among all residents of the island nation.
