Noumea (file iage) Photo: MARC LE CHELARD / AFP
New Caledonia's High Commission has announced its curfew has been lifted.
It was first brought in after riots broke out in May and has been adjusted mutliple times since.
French High Commissioner Louis Le Franc said even though there remained some "sensitive areas", authorities were able to "restore public order" and New Caledonia was on the path to experiencing a "return to normal".
He said he made the decision to "lift or relax certain measures" based on the "continuous assessments of risks".
The most notable change relates to the curfew.
In its latest version, until 2 December, the curfew was in force from midnight to 5am.
Other changes announced on Monday relate to the ban on possession, transportation and use of firearms and ammunition, as well as "objects that could be used as weapons by destination".
French High Commissioner Louis Le Franc holds a press conference on Tuesday 14 May 2024 Photo: NC la 1ère
Although the ban is lifted, some restrictions remain for hunting permits and "C" category (large calibre) ammunition up to a limit of 50 per month, "whatever the number of detained weapons".
The only exception is firearms being used for a sports activity and "official bodies tasked to control and fight against exotic, invasive animal species".
The new measures will remain in force until 5 January, 2025.
Public meetings still banned
Public meetings such as rallies and parades remain banned in the Greater Nouméa area and this ban will be maintained until 20 December, when the situation is set to be re-assessed with a possible relaxation just before Christmas.
The only exception is for open-air markets and sports events.
Although opening hours for the sale of alcohol have now returned to normal, the authorised quantity per person per day remains under control: up to four litres of beer (under 10 percent alcohol) or two litres of wine (10 to 22 percent alcohol) or one litre of spirits (above 22 percent alcohol).
Le Franc said New Caledonians' security remains a priority.
He warned that should the situation deteriorate once again, he "reserves the entire right and capacity to reintroduce earlier measures".
