France, May 13 -- One year ago, on 13 May, 2024, violent riots broke out in New Caledonia. Sparked by a controversial electoral reform, the unrest lasted several months, resulting in 14 deaths and causing at least two billion euros in damages.

In the capital, Noumea, some neighbourhoods are still struggling to recover. But a year after the riots, new initiatives are emerging to bring life back to these areas and rebuild social ties.

Still struggling

A bit of music drifts from an open restaurant, where mothers are running a small market. Nothing extraordinary -and yet, the scene is exceptional in Kamere.

In this working-class neighbourhood of Noumea, the only supermarket was burned down in May 2024, along with the pharmacy, part of the...