The move was seen by the indigenous Kanak population as an attempt to minimise their influence. Shops and businesses were looted and burnt, and shots were fired against police officers, according to news reports.
French Minister of the Interior Gérald Darmanin said, 'The curfew will be maintained. A call for calm in the next few minutes by political leaders, particularly pro-independence leaders, is to be welcomed.'
Opponents to the reforms say it would benefit France politicians while further marginalising the indigenous population, who suffered from strict segregation policies and discrimination.
'Violence is never a solution,' said French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, 'Our priority, of course, is to re-establish order, calm and serenity.'
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