End Of The State Of Emergency In Noumea - New Caledonia

End Of The State Of Emergency In Noumea - New Caledonia

The reinforcement of law enforcement and the removal of barricades continue with the securing of each cleared area. Here, on the Erudits bridge in Koutio. The state of emergency imposed on New Caledonia to quell the deadly riots was lifted on Tuesday morning. The French presidency said that 480 gendarmes had been sent to reinforce the Pacific territory. Noumea, New Caledonia on May 28, 2024. Photo by Chabaud Gill/ABACAPRESS.COM

End Of The State Of Emergency In Noumea - New Caledonia

End Of The State Of Emergency In Noumea - New Caledonia

Law enforcement at a barricade set up by protesters on the access road to the Médipole via the Koutio swimming pool. The state of emergency imposed on New Caledonia to quell the deadly riots was lifted on Tuesday morning. The French presidency said that 480 gendarmes had been sent to reinforce the Pacific territory. Noumea, New Caledonia on May 28, 2024. Photo by Chabaud Gill/ABACAPRESS.COM

Macron Puts New Caledonia Voting Reform On Hold

Macron Puts New Caledonia Voting Reform On Hold

Friday, May 24th - Dumbéa - Independence supporter's vehicle passing through a checkpoint on the heights of Koutio 2. President Emmanuel Macron says he will not force through a controversial voting reform in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia following deadly rioting. Speaking on a visit to the main island, Mr Macron said local leaders should engage in dialogue to find an alternative agreement for the archipelago's future. Seven people including two police officers have been killed and hundreds more wounded in riots, looting and arson. Currently, voting in the territory is restricted to indigenous Kanaks and those who arrived from France before 1998. The planned reform would see more French residents, including any who have been in New Caledonia for at least 10 years, able to vote. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESS.COM

Macron Puts New Caledonia Voting Reform On Hold

Macron Puts New Caledonia Voting Reform On Hold

Friday, May 24th - Dumbéa - Checkpoint in a street of Koutio 2, located in an area with a strong independence presence, manned by non-independence citizens protecting their homes. President Emmanuel Macron says he will not force through a controversial voting reform in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia following deadly rioting. Speaking on a visit to the main island, Mr Macron said local leaders should engage in dialogue to find an alternative agreement for the archipelago's future. Seven people including two police officers have been killed and hundreds more wounded in riots, looting and arson. Currently, voting in the territory is restricted to indigenous Kanaks and those who arrived from France before 1998. The planned reform would see more French residents, including any who have been in New Caledonia for at least 10 years, able to vote. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESS.COM

Macron Puts New Caledonia Voting Reform On Hold

Macron Puts New Caledonia Voting Reform On Hold

Friday, May 24th - Dumbéa - Checkpoint in a street of Koutio 2, located in an area with a strong independence presence, manned by non-independence citizens protecting their homes. President Emmanuel Macron says he will not force through a controversial voting reform in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia following deadly rioting. Speaking on a visit to the main island, Mr Macron said local leaders should engage in dialogue to find an alternative agreement for the archipelago's future. Seven people including two police officers have been killed and hundreds more wounded in riots, looting and arson. Currently, voting in the territory is restricted to indigenous Kanaks and those who arrived from France before 1998. The planned reform would see more French residents, including any who have been in New Caledonia for at least 10 years, able to vote. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESS.COM

Macron Puts New Caledonia Voting Reform On Hold

Macron Puts New Caledonia Voting Reform On Hold

Friday, May 24th - Dumbéa - Checkpoint in a street of Koutio 2, located in an area with a strong independence presence, manned by non-independence citizens protecting their homes. President Emmanuel Macron says he will not force through a controversial voting reform in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia following deadly rioting. Speaking on a visit to the main island, Mr Macron said local leaders should engage in dialogue to find an alternative agreement for the archipelago's future. Seven people including two police officers have been killed and hundreds more wounded in riots, looting and arson. Currently, voting in the territory is restricted to indigenous Kanaks and those who arrived from France before 1998. The planned reform would see more French residents, including any who have been in New Caledonia for at least 10 years, able to vote. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESS.COM

Macron Puts New Caledonia Voting Reform On Hold

Macron Puts New Caledonia Voting Reform On Hold

Friday, May 24th - Dumbéa - Checkpoint in a street of Koutio 2, located in an area with a strong independence presence, manned by non-independence citizens protecting their homes. President Emmanuel Macron says he will not force through a controversial voting reform in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia following deadly rioting. Speaking on a visit to the main island, Mr Macron said local leaders should engage in dialogue to find an alternative agreement for the archipelago's future. Seven people including two police officers have been killed and hundreds more wounded in riots, looting and arson. Currently, voting in the territory is restricted to indigenous Kanaks and those who arrived from France before 1998. The planned reform would see more French residents, including any who have been in New Caledonia for at least 10 years, able to vote. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESS.COM

Macron Puts New Caledonia Voting Reform On Hold

Macron Puts New Caledonia Voting Reform On Hold

Friday, May 24th - Dumbéa - Checkpoint in a street of Koutio 2, located in an area with a strong independence presence, manned by non-independence citizens protecting their homes. President Emmanuel Macron says he will not force through a controversial voting reform in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia following deadly rioting. Speaking on a visit to the main island, Mr Macron said local leaders should engage in dialogue to find an alternative agreement for the archipelago's future. Seven people including two police officers have been killed and hundreds more wounded in riots, looting and arson. Currently, voting in the territory is restricted to indigenous Kanaks and those who arrived from France before 1998. The planned reform would see more French residents, including any who have been in New Caledonia for at least 10 years, able to vote. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESS.COM

Macron Puts New Caledonia Voting Reform On Hold

Macron Puts New Caledonia Voting Reform On Hold

Friday, May 24th - Dumbéa - Checkpoint in a street of Koutio 2, located in an area with a strong independence presence, manned by non-independence citizens protecting their homes. President Emmanuel Macron says he will not force through a controversial voting reform in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia following deadly rioting. Speaking on a visit to the main island, Mr Macron said local leaders should engage in dialogue to find an alternative agreement for the archipelago's future. Seven people including two police officers have been killed and hundreds more wounded in riots, looting and arson. Currently, voting in the territory is restricted to indigenous Kanaks and those who arrived from France before 1998. The planned reform would see more French residents, including any who have been in New Caledonia for at least 10 years, able to vote. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESS.COM

Macron Puts New Caledonia Voting Reform On Hold

Macron Puts New Caledonia Voting Reform On Hold

Friday, May 24th - Dumbéa - 12:00 PM - Vehicle carcasses on Koutio blocking access to the road leading to the roundabout of the Medipole Bridge. President Emmanuel Macron says he will not force through a controversial voting reform in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia following deadly rioting. Speaking on a visit to the main island, Mr Macron said local leaders should engage in dialogue to find an alternative agreement for the archipelago's future. Seven people including two police officers have been killed and hundreds more wounded in riots, looting and arson. Currently, voting in the territory is restricted to indigenous Kanaks and those who arrived from France before 1998. The planned reform would see more French residents, including any who have been in New Caledonia for at least 10 years, able to vote. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESS.COM

Macron Puts New Caledonia Voting Reform On Hold

Macron Puts New Caledonia Voting Reform On Hold

Friday, May 24 - Dumbéa - Debris from looted and burnt stores at the Kenu In shopping center in Koutio. President Emmanuel Macron says he will not force through a controversial voting reform in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia following deadly rioting. Speaking on a visit to the main island, Mr Macron said local leaders should engage in dialogue to find an alternative agreement for the archipelago's future. Seven people including two police officers have been killed and hundreds more wounded in riots, looting and arson. Currently, voting in the territory is restricted to indigenous Kanaks and those who arrived from France before 1998. The planned reform would see more French residents, including any who have been in New Caledonia for at least 10 years, able to vote. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESS.COM

Macron Puts New Caledonia Voting Reform On Hold

Macron Puts New Caledonia Voting Reform On Hold

Friday, May 24 - Dumbéa - Law enforcement stationed on the Koutio Bridge, which connects to the Savexpress. Area heavily affected by rioters who tagged the bridge and displayed their demands on banners. President Emmanuel Macron says he will not force through a controversial voting reform in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia following deadly rioting. Speaking on a visit to the main island, Mr Macron said local leaders should engage in dialogue to find an alternative agreement for the archipelago's future. Seven people including two police officers have been killed and hundreds more wounded in riots, looting and arson. Currently, voting in the territory is restricted to indigenous Kanaks and those who arrived from France before 1998. The planned reform would see more French residents, including any who have been in New Caledonia for at least 10 years, able to vote. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESS.COM

Macron Puts New Caledonia Voting Reform On Hold

Macron Puts New Caledonia Voting Reform On Hold

Friday, May 24 - Dumbéa - Law enforcement stationed on the Koutio Bridge, which connects to the Savexpress. Area heavily affected by rioters who tagged the bridge and displayed their demands on banners. President Emmanuel Macron says he will not force through a controversial voting reform in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia following deadly rioting. Speaking on a visit to the main island, Mr Macron said local leaders should engage in dialogue to find an alternative agreement for the archipelago's future. Seven people including two police officers have been killed and hundreds more wounded in riots, looting and arson. Currently, voting in the territory is restricted to indigenous Kanaks and those who arrived from France before 1998. The planned reform would see more French residents, including any who have been in New Caledonia for at least 10 years, able to vote. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESS.COM

Macron Puts New Caledonia Voting Reform On Hold

Macron Puts New Caledonia Voting Reform On Hold

Friday, May 24 - Dumbéa - Debris from looted and burnt stores at the Kenu In shopping center in Koutio. President Emmanuel Macron says he will not force through a controversial voting reform in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia following deadly rioting. Speaking on a visit to the main island, Mr Macron said local leaders should engage in dialogue to find an alternative agreement for the archipelago's future. Seven people including two police officers have been killed and hundreds more wounded in riots, looting and arson. Currently, voting in the territory is restricted to indigenous Kanaks and those who arrived from France before 1998. The planned reform would see more French residents, including any who have been in New Caledonia for at least 10 years, able to vote. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESS.COM

Macron Puts New Caledonia Voting Reform On Hold

Macron Puts New Caledonia Voting Reform On Hold

Friday, May 24 - Dumbéa - Debris from looted and burnt stores at the Kenu In shopping center in Koutio. President Emmanuel Macron says he will not force through a controversial voting reform in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia following deadly rioting. Speaking on a visit to the main island, Mr Macron said local leaders should engage in dialogue to find an alternative agreement for the archipelago's future. Seven people including two police officers have been killed and hundreds more wounded in riots, looting and arson. Currently, voting in the territory is restricted to indigenous Kanaks and those who arrived from France before 1998. The planned reform would see more French residents, including any who have been in New Caledonia for at least 10 years, able to vote. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESS.COM

Macron Puts New Caledonia Voting Reform On Hold

Macron Puts New Caledonia Voting Reform On Hold

Friday, May 24 - Dumbéa - Debris from looted and burnt stores at the Kenu In shopping center in Koutio. President Emmanuel Macron says he will not force through a controversial voting reform in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia following deadly rioting. Speaking on a visit to the main island, Mr Macron said local leaders should engage in dialogue to find an alternative agreement for the archipelago's future. Seven people including two police officers have been killed and hundreds more wounded in riots, looting and arson. Currently, voting in the territory is restricted to indigenous Kanaks and those who arrived from France before 1998. The planned reform would see more French residents, including any who have been in New Caledonia for at least 10 years, able to vote. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESS.COM

Macron Puts New Caledonia Voting Reform On Hold

Macron Puts New Caledonia Voting Reform On Hold

Friday, May 24 - Dumbéa - Debris from looted and burnt stores at the Kenu In shopping center in Koutio. President Emmanuel Macron says he will not force through a controversial voting reform in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia following deadly rioting. Speaking on a visit to the main island, Mr Macron said local leaders should engage in dialogue to find an alternative agreement for the archipelago's future. Seven people including two police officers have been killed and hundreds more wounded in riots, looting and arson. Currently, voting in the territory is restricted to indigenous Kanaks and those who arrived from France before 1998. The planned reform would see more French residents, including any who have been in New Caledonia for at least 10 years, able to vote. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESS.COM

Macron Puts New Caledonia Voting Reform On Hold

Macron Puts New Caledonia Voting Reform On Hold

Friday, May 24 - Dumbéa - Debris from looted and burnt stores at the Kenu In shopping center in Koutio. President Emmanuel Macron says he will not force through a controversial voting reform in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia following deadly rioting. Speaking on a visit to the main island, Mr Macron said local leaders should engage in dialogue to find an alternative agreement for the archipelago's future. Seven people including two police officers have been killed and hundreds more wounded in riots, looting and arson. Currently, voting in the territory is restricted to indigenous Kanaks and those who arrived from France before 1998. The planned reform would see more French residents, including any who have been in New Caledonia for at least 10 years, able to vote. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESS.COM

Situation In New Caledonia on the 10th day of the state of emergency

Situation In New Caledonia on the 10th day of the state of emergency

Saturday, May 25 - Dumbéa - Independentist roadblock filtering traffic on this road axis connecting Koutio to Normandie. Photo by Gill Chabaud / ABACAPRESS.COM

Situation In New Caledonia on the 10th day of the state of emergency

Situation In New Caledonia on the 10th day of the state of emergency

Saturday, May 25 - Dumbéa - Clearing operation by law enforcement in the Koutio neighborhood. Photo by Gill Chabaud / ABACAPRESS.COM

Situation In New Caledonia on the 10th day of the state of emergency

Situation In New Caledonia on the 10th day of the state of emergency

Saturday, May 25 - Dumbéa - Clearing operation by law enforcement in the Koutio neighborhood. Photo by Gill Chabaud / ABACAPRESS.COM

Situation In New Caledonia on the 10th day of the state of emergency

Situation In New Caledonia on the 10th day of the state of emergency

Saturday, May 25 - Dumbéa - Access road to Medipole, Koutio Hospital Center, which has suffered vandalism and looting. This road is located at the Erudits Bridge, which is still under a checkpoint maintained by the protesters. Photo by Gill Chabaud / ABACAPRESS.COM

Situation In New Caledonia on the 10th day of the state of emergency

Situation In New Caledonia on the 10th day of the state of emergency

Saturday, May 25 - Dumbéa - Clearing operation by law enforcement in the Koutio neighborhood. Photo by Gill Chabaud / ABACAPRESS.COM

Situation In New Caledonia on the 10th day of the state of emergency

Situation In New Caledonia on the 10th day of the state of emergency

Saturday, May 25 - Dumbéa - Law enforcement posted at the entrance of the emergency department of Koutio Hospital Center, the Medipole. Photo by Gill Chabaud / ABACAPRESS.COM

Situation In New Caledonia on the 10th day of the state of emergency

Situation In New Caledonia on the 10th day of the state of emergency

Saturday, May 25 - Dumbéa - Emergency entrance of Medipole. The only access to Koutio Hospital allowed since the beginning of the riots. Located a few hundred meters from where the young protester was killed by a public authority figure. Photo by Gill Chabaud / ABACAPRESS.COM

Situation In New Caledonia on the 10th day of the state of emergency

Situation In New Caledonia on the 10th day of the state of emergency

Saturday, May 25 - Dumbéa - Emergency entrance of Medipole. The only access to Koutio Hospital allowed since the beginning of the riots. Located a few hundred meters from where the young protester was killed by a public authority figure. Photo by Gill Chabaud / ABACAPRESS.COM

Situation In New Caledonia on the 10th day of the state of emergency

Situation In New Caledonia on the 10th day of the state of emergency

Saturday, May 25 - Dumbéa - Emergency entrance of Medipole. The only access to Koutio Hospital allowed since the beginning of the riots. Located a few hundred meters from where the young protester was killed by a public authority figure. Photo by Gill Chabaud / ABACAPRESS.COM

Situation In New Caledonia on the 10th day of the state of emergency

Situation In New Caledonia on the 10th day of the state of emergency

Saturday, May 25 - Dumbéa - Emergency entrance of Medipole. The only access to Koutio Hospital allowed since the beginning of the riots. Located a few hundred meters from where the young protester was killed by a public authority figure. Photo by Gill Chabaud / ABACAPRESS.COM

Situation In New Caledonia on the 10th day of the state of emergency

Situation In New Caledonia on the 10th day of the state of emergency

Saturday, May 25 - Dumbéa - Law enforcement posted at the entrance of the emergency department of Koutio Hospital Center, the Medipole. Photo by Gill Chabaud / ABACAPRESS.COM

Situation In New Caledonia on the 10th day of the state of emergency

Situation In New Caledonia on the 10th day of the state of emergency

Saturday, May 25 - Dumbéa - Emergency entrance of Medipole. The only access to Koutio Hospital allowed since the beginning of the riots. Located a few hundred meters from where the young protester was killed by a public authority figure. Photo by Gill Chabaud / ABACAPRESS.COM

Situation In New Caledonia on the 10th day of the state of emergency

Situation In New Caledonia on the 10th day of the state of emergency

Saturday, May 25 - Dumbéa - Emergency entrance of Medipole. The only access to Koutio Hospital allowed since the beginning of the riots. Located a few hundred meters from where the young protester was killed by a public authority figure. Photo by Gill Chabaud / ABACAPRESS.COM

Situation In New Caledonia on the 10th day of the state of emergency

Situation In New Caledonia on the 10th day of the state of emergency

Saturday, May 25 - Dumbéa - Emergency entrance of Medipole. The only access to Koutio Hospital allowed since the beginning of the riots. Located a few hundred meters from where the young protester was killed by a public authority figure. Photo by Gill Chabaud / ABACAPRESS.COM

Situation In New Caledonia on the 10th day of the state of emergency

Situation In New Caledonia on the 10th day of the state of emergency

Saturday, May 25 - Dumbéa - Law enforcement posted at the entrance of the emergency department of Koutio Hospital Center, the Medipole. Photo by Gill Chabaud / ABACAPRESS.COM

Situation In New Caledonia on the 10th day of the state of emergency

Situation In New Caledonia on the 10th day of the state of emergency

Saturday, May 25 - Dumbéa - Emergency entrance of Medipole. The only access to Koutio Hospital allowed since the beginning of the riots. Located a few hundred meters from where the young protester was killed by a public authority figure. Photo by Gill Chabaud / ABACAPRESS.COM

Situation In New Caledonia on the 10th day of the state of emergency

Situation In New Caledonia on the 10th day of the state of emergency

Saturday, May 25 - Dumbéa - Law enforcement posted at the entrance of the emergency department of Koutio Hospital Center, the Medipole. Photo by Gill Chabaud / ABACAPRESS.COM

Situation In New Caledonia on the 10th day of the state of emergency

Situation In New Caledonia on the 10th day of the state of emergency

Saturday, May 25 - Dumbéa - Law enforcement posted at the entrance of the emergency department of Koutio Hospital Center, the Medipole. Photo by Gill Chabaud / ABACAPRESS.COM

Situation In New Caledonia on the 11th day of the state of emergency in stores

Situation In New Caledonia on the 11th day of the state of emergency in stores

Sunday, May 26 - Dumbéa - Group of local residents providing security for a store in Koutio. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESSS.COM

Situation In New Caledonia on the 11th day of the state of emergency in stores

Situation In New Caledonia on the 11th day of the state of emergency in stores

Sunday, May 26 - Dumbéa - Superette 68 store still operating in the Koutio neighborhood. Protected by local residents day and night, it is the only supply point in the area. Essential for the population. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESSS.COM

Situation In New Caledonia on the 11th day of the state of emergency in stores

Situation In New Caledonia on the 11th day of the state of emergency in stores

Sunday, May 26 - Dumbéa - Empty shelves in a Koutio convenience store struggling to restock. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESSS.COM

Situation In New Caledonia on the 11th day of the state of emergency in stores

Situation In New Caledonia on the 11th day of the state of emergency in stores

Sunday, May 26 - Dumbéa - Empty shelves in a Koutio convenience store struggling to restock. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESSS.COM

Situation In New Caledonia on the 11th day of the state of emergency in stores

Situation In New Caledonia on the 11th day of the state of emergency in stores

Sunday, May 26 - Dumbéa - Empty shelves in a Koutio convenience store despite rationing, struggling to restock. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESSS.COM

Situation In New Caledonia on the 11th day of the state of emergency in stores

Situation In New Caledonia on the 11th day of the state of emergency in stores

Sunday, May 26 - Dumbéa - Superette 68 store still operating in the Koutio neighborhood. Protected by local residents day and night, it is the only supply point in the area. Essential for the population. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESSS.COM

Situation In New Caledonia on the 11th day of the state of emergency in stores

Situation In New Caledonia on the 11th day of the state of emergency in stores

Sunday, May 26 - Dumbéa - Empty shelves in a Koutio convenience store struggling to restock. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESSS.COM

Situation In New Caledonia on the 11th day of the state of emergency in stores

Situation In New Caledonia on the 11th day of the state of emergency in stores

Sunday, May 26 - Dumbéa - Superette 68 store still operating in the Koutio neighborhood. Protected by local residents day and night, it is the only supply point in the area. Essential for the population. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESSS.COM

Situation In New Caledonia on the 11th day of the state of emergency in stores

Situation In New Caledonia on the 11th day of the state of emergency in stores

Sunday, May 26 - Dumbéa - Empty shelves in a Koutio convenience store struggling to restock. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESSS.COM

Situation In New Caledonia on the 11th day of the state of emergency in stores

Situation In New Caledonia on the 11th day of the state of emergency in stores

Sunday, May 26 - Dumbéa - Superette 68 store still operating in the Koutio neighborhood. Protected by local residents day and night, it is the only supply point in the area. Essential for the population. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESSS.COM

Situation In New Caledonia on the 11th day of the state of emergency in stores

Situation In New Caledonia on the 11th day of the state of emergency in stores

Sunday, May 26 - Dumbéa - Group of local residents providing security for a store in Koutio. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESSS.COM

French Forces Launch 'Major Operation' To Open Route To Noumea

French Forces Launch 'Major Operation' To Open Route To Noumea

Mon, May 20 - Dumbea - The Koutio interchange is still blocked by rioters who continue to burn car wrecks and tires. Officials said more than 600 heavily armed gendarmes were dispatched to secure Route Territoriale 1, the main artery connecting the restive capital with air links to the outside world. Furthermore, plans for the Olympic torch relay to pass through the French territory were cancelled on Saturday. The flame had been scheduled to arrive on June 11 but French Sports Minister Amélie Oudea-Castera said that "priority must be given to a return to calm" in the territory. Six people have been killed and hundreds injured since rioting began on Monday, according to local authorities. The violence has been fuelled by economic malaise, ethnic tensions and long-standing opposition to French rule on the Pacific archipelago. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESS.COM

French Forces Launch 'Major Operation' To Open Route To Noumea

French Forces Launch 'Major Operation' To Open Route To Noumea

Mon, May 20 - Dumbea - The Koutio interchange is still blocked by rioters who continue to burn car wrecks and tires. Officials said more than 600 heavily armed gendarmes were dispatched to secure Route Territoriale 1, the main artery connecting the restive capital with air links to the outside world. Furthermore, plans for the Olympic torch relay to pass through the French territory were cancelled on Saturday. The flame had been scheduled to arrive on June 11 but French Sports Minister Amélie Oudea-Castera said that "priority must be given to a return to calm" in the territory. Six people have been killed and hundreds injured since rioting began on Monday, according to local authorities. The violence has been fuelled by economic malaise, ethnic tensions and long-standing opposition to French rule on the Pacific archipelago. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESS.COM

French Forces Launch 'Major Operation' To Open Route To Noumea

French Forces Launch 'Major Operation' To Open Route To Noumea

Mon, May 20 - Dumbea - Remnants of the Decathlon store, burned and looted since Tuesday. The store located near the Koutio interchange is still blocked by rioters who continue to burn car wrecks and tires. Officials said more than 600 heavily armed gendarmes were dispatched to secure Route Territoriale 1, the main artery connecting the restive capital with air links to the outside world. Furthermore, plans for the Olympic torch relay to pass through the French territory were cancelled on Saturday. The flame had been scheduled to arrive on June 11 but French Sports Minister Amélie Oudea-Castera said that "priority must be given to a return to calm" in the territory. Six people have been killed and hundreds injured since rioting began on Monday, according to local authorities. The violence has been fuelled by economic malaise, ethnic tensions and long-standing opposition to French rule on the Pacific archipelago. Photo by Gill Chabaud/ABACAPRESS.COM