French authorities in New Caledonia have extended the curfew until August 26 as the death toll from recent riots has risen to 11.
New Caledonia’s High Commissioner said in a statement that he had eased restrictions on alcohol sales, allowing takeaway purchases within strict limits from August 19 to September 8.
However, alcohol delivery is still prohibited and there is a curfew from 22:00 to 5:00 until August 26. Restrictions on carrying firearms and transporting fuel in portable containers have also been extended until August 26, with exceptions made for municipal services and certain professionals.
The statement also said that to date, a total of 2,459 arrests have been made in the Territory, of which 1,331 occurred in police jurisdiction and 1,128 in gendarmerie zones.
The High Commissioner condemned the attempted arson of a church in Poindimi and attacks on motorists in Poya.
The Pacific archipelago has been plagued by unrest since mid-May over a proposed bill to revise the electoral order. The changes would have given French citizens who have lived on the island for at least 10 years the right to vote in local elections. But locals, particularly Kanaks, fear the changes will reduce their voting rights. France has declared a state of emergency in the territory and deployed additional forces amid growing protests.
French President Emmanuel Macron was forced on June 12 to suspend a plan of controversial electoral reforms.
