French authorities in New Caledonia have extended a curfew until August 26 as the death toll from recent riots has climbed to 11.

In a statement, the High Commissioner of New Caledonia announced that restrictions on alcohol sales have been eased, permitting take-away purchases under strict conditions from August 19 to September 8. However, alcohol delivery remains prohibited, and a curfew from 10 pm to 5 am (local time) will continue until August 26.

Additionally, restrictions on firearms and the transportation of fuel in portable containers have been extended until August 26, with exceptions made for municipal services and certain professionals.

The statement also reported that a total of 2,459 arrests have been made across the territory, with 1,331 occurring in police-controlled areas and 1,128 in zones under the gendarmerie.

The High Commissioner also condemned an arson attempt at a church in Poindimie and attacks on motorists in Poya.

Fatal police shooting rocks France's New Caledonia

French police shot and killed, on Thursday, an alleged gunman during clashes in New Caledonia, according to local prosecutors. 

The shooting took place in Thio, a town in the eastern part of the territory, as police were clearing a bridge.

Prosecutor Yves Dupas reported that an officer was struck in the face by a rock, prompting police to return fire after being shot multiple times. Two protesters were wounded, one of whom died en route to the hospital. Dupas noted that several investigations are underway and promised to provide more details later.

Not an isolated incident 

In mid-July, another gunman was killed under similar circumstances when police, responding to gunfire while clearing roadblocks in the Mont-Dore district near Noumea, shot back and killed a man.

Unrest in New Caledonia, located nearly 17,000 kilometers (10,600 miles) from Paris, erupted in mid-May over a proposed expansion of the electoral roll. Indigenous Kanak people fear this change would marginalize them and undermine their aspirations for independence. Protests have involved erecting roadblocks and the burning and looting of cars, businesses, and public buildings. Paris responded by deploying thousands of troops and police.

The proposed electoral change, which requires amending the French constitution, has been stalled since President Emmanuel Macron dissolved parliament for new elections. The resulting lower house lacks a clear majority. It is worth noting that the arrest of pro-independence figures on June 19 further fueled the unrest.

New Caledonia has been a French territory since the mid-1800s. Almost two centuries on, its politics remain dominated by debate about whether the islands should be part of France, autonomous, or independent.

Indigenous Kanaks make up about 39% of the population but tend to be poorer and have fewer years of schooling than European Caledonians. Kanak groups argue that the latest voting regulations would undermine their vote.