After a period of high tensions, the archipelago of New Caledonia is gradually preparing to return to normal life. The Nouméa international airport, which had been closed since May 14, will reopen on Monday with no restrictions on access and passengers can use their own means of transportation.
The decision to reopen the airport was possible due to the clearing of roadblocks on RT1, a double expressway connecting Nouméa to La Tontouta international airport. Previously, only a few exemption flights had been granted due to the roadblocks by demonstrators in the region.
Despite the violence and unrest caused by a constitutional reform bill, which has since been suspended by President Emmanuel Macron, primary, middle and high school students will gradually return to school beginning Monday. This is an evident step towards restoring peace and stability in the region.
In addition to this positive news, legislative elections scheduled for June and July also loom over New Caledonia as the process of rebuilding and recovery begins after the turbulent period of unrest. The damage caused by the riots is estimated to be extensive with buildings burned, stores looted and many businesses destroyed resulting in significant economic losses. However, despite these challenges, the people of New Caledonia are working towards restoring peace and stability in the region.
