In addition to sending troops to the area, the government also banned TikTok.
The French government declared a state of emergency in New Caledonia, the semi-autonomous French Pacific territory, after three nights of deadly clashes that left four dead and hundreds injured. In addition to sending troops to the area, the government also banned TikTok.
After the clashes, the streets were littered with debris from burned buildings and materials used in the riots. Armored vehicles patrolled the now empty streets, while local residents set up makeshift barriers – made from wooden pallets, beds, wheelbarrows, tree leaves, etc. – out of fear.
Why the French government declared an emergency
The government’s emergency declaration comes after it began a “massive” mobilization of security forces in an effort to restore order. French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announced that troops were sent to protect the ports and the international airport, which, for now, is closed to commercial flights.
Security forces responded by placing five suspected leaders under house arrest and planning house searches. More than 200 “rioters” were arrested, with reports of hundreds injured, including 64 police officers. TikTok was banned because it was used by protesters, with almost 20 related accounts identified by the AFP.
France is creating an “air bridge” to quickly send troops, police reinforcements and essential supplies to New Caledonia. French President Emmanuel Macron offered to talk to New Caledonian lawmakers and urged them to participate in political talks and negotiations to resolve the current situation.
Why the people of New Caledonia are protesting
The unrest stems from protests against a proposed amendment to the French Constitution that would impose new local voting rules in the Pacific archipelago. The violence erupted from pro-independence protests, largely led by indigenous groups, according to reports. The clashes, including gunfire that claimed the life of a police officer, mark the deadliest violence seen in the region since the 1980s.
New Caledonia, located between Australia and Fiji, remains under French control, but with a “special status”. Although they rejected independence in previous elections, many Kanak, whose ancestors lived on the islands for thousands of years, still support the idea.
As people protested in the streets miles away, the French National Assembly voted to allow residents who have lived in New Caledonia for 10 years to vote. However, this reform still requires approval from both chambers of the French parliament. Pro-independence groups argued that this change would weaken the voting power of the Kanaks, who make up about 41% of the population. On the other hand, supporters of the reform say that voter lists have not been updated since 1998, which excludes newer residents from the possibility of voting at provincial polls.
What does the state of emergency mean?
The state of emergency allows authorities to impose travel bans, house arrests and searches, along with a nighttime curfew and bans on gatherings, gun ownership and alcohol sales. Nearly 1,800 law enforcement officers are deployed, with 500 reinforcements planned, according to a French government spokeswoman.
This story originally appeared on Ndtv.com read the full story
