France extends curfew in New Caledonia amid ongoing unrest

France has extended a curfew in its Indo-Pacific colony of New Caledonia until July 22, the high commissioner announced on Friday.

The curfew, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. local time, accompanies ongoing restrictive measures as the French administration continues to address unrest on the island, which lies 17,000 kilometers (10,563 miles) from France, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

The ban on the sale and shipment of weapons, as well as the sale of alcohol, will remain in effect until the new curfew date. A French government ship arrived in Noumea, the capital of New Caledonia, on Thursday, carrying a large number of armored vehicles and equipment to reinforce security forces. The government has also increased the presence of security forces and fire brigades on the island.

The overseas French territory has experienced massive riots since May 13 due to an electoral reform allowing long-term French residents to participate in local elections. The unrest has resulted in at least nine deaths and numerous injuries, alongside incidents of arson and looting.

In response, France declared a state of emergency and deployed additional forces to restore order. Amid efforts for dialogue, French President Emmanuel Macron dissolved parliament and announced early elections following the far-right National Rally's success in the European Parliament elections on June 9. On June 12, Macron suspended the controversial electoral reform plan in New Caledonia.