France declares state of emergency, bans TikTok in New Caledonia amid deadly riots
- Three indigenous Kanak and a police official have been killed in the violence that broke out after an electoral reform bill was adopted by lawmakers in Paris
- During previous riots, French authorities had said that TikTok helped rioters organise and amplified the chaos, attracting troublemakers to the streets
France declared a state of emergency and banned the TikTok short-video app on the Pacific island of New Caledonia on Wednesday after three young indigenous Kanak and a police official were killed in riots over electoral reform.
The state of emergency, which entered into force at 5am local time,, gives authorities additional powers to ban gatherings and forbid people from moving around the French-ruled island.
Police reinforcements adding 500 officers to the 1,800 usually present on the island, have been sent after rioters torched vehicles and businesses and looted stores. Schools have been shut and there is already a curfew in the capital.
Rioting broke out over a new bill, adopted by lawmakers in Paris on Tuesday, that will let French residents who have lived in New Caledonia for 10 years vote in provincial elections – a move some local leaders fear will dilute the Kanak vote.
“No violence will be tolerated,” said Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, adding that the state of emergency “will allow us to roll out massive means to restore order”.