Reports from New Caledonia say calm has returned to the stretch of road blocked for three days by armed unrest but that one vehicle was stoned overnight.
Negotiations involving traditional and local leaders as well as the French state allowed for the clean-up of the road between Noumea and Mont-Dore which was blocked by armed youths whose gunshots injured five policemen on Sunday.
An estimated 50 stolen cars were set alight by young men to block the road near St Louis after police shot dead a 23-year-old prison escapee William Decoire early on Saturday.
he authorities say police acted in self-defence but a tribal leader from St Louis, Roch Wamytan, said the victim's family is poised to lodge a formal complaint to establish the facts.
He told the local daily newspaper that none of the young people was armed when their stolen vehicle was stopped by police.
William Decoire had 19 convictions and was on the run since June last year.
The only person arrested over the incident so far is one of the passengers of the stolen car.
The clashes cut off road links to the southernmost part of the mainland, leading to broad supply shortages.
This from the Vanuatu Port Vila Mission facebook page:
There has been an incidence of civil unrest in New Caledonia over the last few days. It appears to be under control now.
All of our Missionaries are safe.
A few Sister Missionaries were hosted by a wonderful member Sister after they were stranded in Mont Dore south of Noumea on the wrong side of the road blockade whilst attending a Ward activity and could not return to their house for several days. Eventually it was arranged for them to be transported back past the blockade via a Naval Vessel which was being used for that purpose.
All of our Missionaries are safe.
A few Sister Missionaries were hosted by a wonderful member Sister after they were stranded in Mont Dore south of Noumea on the wrong side of the road blockade whilst attending a Ward activity and could not return to their house for several days. Eventually it was arranged for them to be transported back past the blockade via a Naval Vessel which was being used for that purpose.
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