by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer
Five individuals sought by French authorities have turned themselves in at the besieged pro-independence stronghold of Saint Louis in New Caledonia.
This village, part of Mont-Dore near the capital Nouméa, had been surrounded by French security forces, who restricted access to the adjacent provincial road by setting up two checkpoints, effectively isolating the Saint Louis tribe.
Since violent riots erupted on May 13, the road had become perilous for drivers, leading to numerous carjackings.
According to Nouméa Public Prosecutor Yves Dupas, the suspects are also charged with “attempted murder” of law enforcement officials and “armed theft.”
In August, during a previous operation to apprehend suspects linked to arson at the Saint Louis Catholic mission, one Kanak, Victorin Rock Wamytan, was killed by French gendarmes after they were shot at.
On September 19, two more young Kanaks, Samuel Moekia and Johan Kaidine, were killed under similar circumstances, heightening tensions in this pro-independence area.
While police and gendarmes are committed to arresting the remaining suspects, French authorities are still negotiating with local tribal leaders. Following the recent fatalities and their weekend funerals, they have opted to extend the negotiation period.
