New Caledonia: Weekend clashes illustrate political tensions remain high during ongoing autonomy negotiations

Throughout the morning of 9 March, Gendarmerie in Nouméa were required to contain public violence in two incidents. The first incident was a public brawl involving 300-400 individuals who became violent when the bar they were attending closed early. Bottles, stones, and concrete blocks were thrown at the Gendarmerie, who responded with tear-gas and less-than lethal ammunition. Seven people were injured during the incident, including two law enforcement officers. Later in the morning, locals near Saint-Laurent village threw stones at traffic moving between Nouméa and La Tontouta International Airport. Traffic was further halted for one hour as the Gendarmerie cleared and secured the area. In both instances, local authorities claimed the offenders were intoxicated. Separately, during Sunday evening on the island of Maré (approximately 160km northeast of Nouméa), New Caledonia’s largest commercial sandalwood oil factory was burned down with the cause currently unknown. The Union Calédonienne party (UC) issued a statement condemning the violence and denying involvement, while also outlining the disenfranchisement of young indigenous Kanaks.

Assessment: The weekend clashes demonstrate local tensions remain high during ongoing political negotiations concerning New Caledonia’s future autonomy. After holding multilateral talks in New Caledonia over 22-29 February, French Minister for Overseas, Manuel Valls, left a discussion document for ongoing negotiations and announced he would return to continue negotiations from 29 March to 1 April.  The next round of talks is intended to finalise an agreement between all parties on New Caledonia’s future and will almost certainly be subject to a referendum. Alcohol sale restrictions were also recently relaxed, but are now again under review by the local administration in consultation with hospitality industry owners.

Sources: Patrick Decloitre, “Series of Violent Weekend Incidents in Greater Nouméa Area,” RNZ, March 11, 2025; Patrick Decloitre, “French Minister Wraps Up New Caledonia Talks, Will Return Late March,” RNZ, March 3, 2025.