Why France Imposed State Of Emergency And Ban On TikTok In Overseas Territory (image@OverSeasItaly)
France announced an emergency in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia. The emergency is announced for at least 12 days. The government gave security forces special power to ban gatherings and forbid people from roaming around the island. Paris also banned TikTok. The move came after the three nights of violent confrontations that caused four fatalities and injury more than 300.
French military forces were also deployed near ports and international airports. French Prime Minister, Gabriel Attal said that the absolute authority of the government is to bring back order and calm, and nothing can justify violence. The decision to impose emergency was taken after a two-hour long meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and other top ministers.
The French government banned TikTok claiming that during the bout of riots in France”s mainland that took place last summer, the social media platform helped rioters organise and spread chaos, and the app helped greatly in attracting troublemakers to the streets.
The emergency measures include special powers for the security forces to ban gathering and tackle violence including house detention for people who pose threat to the public order. The powers were expanded to conduct searches, seize weapon, restrict movements and impose jail time for violators. Over 130 arrests took place so far.
The indigenous people of the archipelago led pro-independence protests against the French government”s proposal to introduce new voting regulations in the island. The protest turned into one of the most violent conflict since 1980. Reportedly, one police officer also was among the ones who lost their lives in the conflict. Usually filled with tourists, the Island”s palm-lined city is now occupied by armoured vehicles.
Protest erupted after French legislature debated on amending the French constitution to make changes to voter lists in New Caledonia. On Wednesday, the National Assembly approved a bill that allow residents who have lived in the New Caledonia for 10 years to vote in provincial elections, among other changes.
Opponents remark that the measure will benefit pro-France politicians in the island and it will further marginalise the indigenous Kanak people. Though rules by the French government, the vast island that lies east of Australia and have population of about 270,000 people, is 10 time zones ahead of Paris.
The situation keep turning violent. The territory”s top French official, High Commissioner Louis Le Franc, warned the possibility of “many deaths” if calm is not restored. Rival political parties in the island also called for peace. In a statement, the parties said that “we have to continue to live together”.
The New Caledonia became French in 1853 under Napoleon III. The archipelago became an overseas territory after World War II. In 1957, French citizenship was granted to all the Kanaks. It was in 1998, New Caledonia was given political power.
