New Caledonia closes airport, imposes curfew after violence

14/5/2024 12:22

        New Caledonia mobilised security forces, closed its international airport and imposed a curfew in the capital after protests turned violent and police were attacked, the French High Commission said on Tuesday.
        
        The unrest prompted New Zealand to postpone a visit this week by Foreign Minister Winston Peters, which a spokesperson said would allow authorities to focus on the current situation.
        
        "We are aware of events in New Caledonia, and hope that peace and calm will prevail," the spokesperson said.
        
        The protests and violence happened on Monday ahead of a vote in the French National Assembly on changes to the New Caledonian constitution.
        
        Video showed the police patrolling the streets among burnt out cars and plumes of smoke, after protesters had set up blockades on key roads on Monday.