A top level meeting is expected to be held in New Caledonia today to discuss security concerns raised by civil society.
Police officers guard the road in Mont-Dore, to the south of New Caledonia's capital, Noumea. The road is frequently closed by armed protesters. Photo: AFP
The talks at the French High Commission in Noumea follow a rally by a small group, calling itself the Collective against Insecurity, in New Caledonia earlier this week.
The group was formed last month after the death of a motorcyclist near Noumea.
Debate on social media has been intense about whether her fatal fall was an accident or the result of foul play because the incident happened along the troubled stretch of the main road near St Louis.
The meeting is expected to be attended by the President of New Caledonia, the president of the southern province and the four mayors of the Noumea agglomeration.
The President of New Caledonia's collegial government, Philippe Germain. Photo: RNZI / Koroi Hawkins