After a week of riots, the pro-independence mobilization is expected to continue, despite doubts and questions. Several sections of the Field Action Coordination Unit (CCAT) yesterday called on activists to continue field actions "peacefully and with respect for all," without succeeding in putting an end to the clashes taking place in Nouméa. The convoy of armored vehicles and mobile gendarmes did not stand a chance against their roadblock – a heap of burnt-out cars, fencing and branches – but it took a little more to discourage the dozen or so pro-independence activists who have been camped out at La Tamoa since Monday, May 13. The latest unrest in the Pacific territory of 270,000 people erupted over French plans to impose new rules that would give tens of thousands of non-indigenous residents voting rights.

"The gendarmes came through, and we got out of the way. They pushed everything aside and then we put it back," said Jean-Charles (those interviewed did not wish to give their full names), who is in charge of one of the six roadblocks set up by the Païta-Boulouparis CCAT section. "Here, we follow the orders, the fight is peaceful," he said. Flag in hand, head turbaned by a gray scarf and dark glasses, Jean-Charles had not moved from the stretch of road assigned to him since Monday.

On the side of the road, a base camp was set up. Sheltered from the sun and rain, a huge thermos of hot water was available. A dish of eels simmered in a large cast-iron pot on a wood fire. "Come tomorrow morning, there'll be eggs," said Jean-Charles to the visitor from Nouméa, who had to make do with the food in his cupboard due to the shortages in the capital.

The 50-something could not explain the upsurge in violence affecting the area: "Maybe there was no one there to supervise the youngsters. Here, I explain the rules to them, and the rule is 'no alcohol.'" But a week after the start of the mobilization, Jean-Charles would like to see the beginnings of a solution: "The politicians need to start talking now." In the meantime, disciplined, he will do what the CCAT says.

The entire RT1, the territorial road number 1, on which the airport is located, was dotted with the roadblocks. Some were filtering during the day and closed at night, others were not. In the Païta-Boulouparis sector, locations, times and functions were posted on social media. The instructions were to let ambulances and emergency vehicles through at all times.

Drivers were warned: In Bangou, for example, vehicles will be systematically searched on both the outward and return journeys. One had to beware of anyone carrying a firearm. A burning vehicle indicated the proximity of the roadblock. Young people – some hooded, others masked – gestured to slow down. A row of "old-timers," seated on neatly lined up plastic chairs, looked on. It was like a customs check: After asking the driver if they were carrying any weapons, they were invited to step aside, while the young people just out of their teens "inspected the vehicle." Goodbye, thank you and "watch the road," as is said here.

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