France to lift state of emergency in riot-razed New Caledonia after seven killed

The decision aims at “enabling meetings of the various components” such as the pro-independence movement Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS)

Smoke rises during protests in Noumea, New Caledonia, on May 15 Picture: Nicolas Job/AP

French President Emmanuel Macron has decided to lift the state of emergency in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia in a move meant to allow political dialogue following the unrest that left seven people dead and a trail of destruction, his office said.

The president’s office said in a statement on Monday the state of emergency will not be extended “for the moment” and will end on Monday at 8pm in Paris or 5pm on Tuesday in New Caledonia.