Tensions have boiled over yet again in the French colonial territory of New Caledonia, as the French government moved to deport several pro-independence officials.
Known by the independence movement as Kanaky, the semi-autonomous Pacific territory was beset by protests after changes to electoral laws were passed in May.
The laws, which would allow French citizens who have lived in the territory for at least ten years to vote in New Caledonian elections, are strongly opposed by some locals, who fear they could dilute the Indigenous Kanak vote, and imperil the independence movement.
Violent protests saw the death of nine people, including two police officers.
Seven activists were taken to France for pre-trial detention over the weekend, in relation to last month's violence.
Their deportation sparked the latest unrest, which has seen roadways blocked and buildings, including the town hall and a police station, set on fire.
Daniel Goa, president of Caledonian Union, the biggest pro-independence political party, said he was "astonished" by the deportation of activist Christian Tein and six other party officials on Saturday night.
"All they have done has been to organise more peaceful demonstrations," he said in a statement.
He denied the prosecutor's allegations that Tein and the others were sponsors of violence.
Police arrested Tein, who leads an offshoot of Caledonian Union called Field Action Co-ordination Cell last week.
The cell set up barricades that have disrupted traffic for weeks, and Tein had met French President Emmanuel Macron during a visit to Noumea in May aimed at resolving the political impasse.
On Monday, French loyalist politicians including Sonia Backes and Nicolas Metzdorf said in a statement that a third of local business had been destroyed and they had sent a letter to Macron requesting the New Caledonia government be placed under state administration, as it was "no longer fit to lead".
