France riots: What South Africans there, or heading there soon, need to know

The France riots have put South Africans living in, studying in or travelling to France on alert.

Cars have been set alight, town halls have burned and shops have been looted.

For many South Africans, the question isn’t why it’s happening.

It’s whether they’re safe, and what to do next.

WHAT HAPPENED

On Saturday, 17 October, around 550,000 people protested across France over rising living costs, fuel prices and education funding, according to French authorities.

Most protests were peaceful, but violence broke out in several cities.

Police have made more than 2,000 arrests, and hundreds of police officers have suffered injuries.

Authorities have linked at least two deaths to the unrest: a 22-year-old police officer in Nantes, and a protester who died of cardiac arrest during demonstrations in Paris.

Clashes continued in Paris on Sunday, 18 October.

WHICH CITIES HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY THE FRANCE RIOTS?

According to international media reports, including from Al Jazeera, the unrest affected several major cities:

• Paris: About 110,000 people protested in the capital. Clashes broke out around Place de la République, rioters set cars alight near Canal Saint-Martin, and protesters faced off with police near Gare du Nord station.
• Marseille: Protesters breached the town hall and looted shops.
• Lyon: Rioters reportedly set fire to a tourism office.
• Limoges: Rioters set the city’s 143-year-old town hall ablaze.
• Bordeaux: A masked group invaded the local prefect’s residence.
• Lille: Unrest also spread to the city.
• Nantes: A police officer died after a vehicle struck the officer.

Further protests could follow, since calls to “continue the movement” have been shared on social media.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

President Emmanuel Macron has condemned the violence and called for calm.

He has ruled out an immediate state of emergency.

However, he said regional officials and mayors would be given powers to ban gatherings where necessary.

That means local bans on protests could be introduced at short notice, so check the latest local news before heading out.

WHAT DOES DIRCO ADVISE?

At the time of publishing, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) had not issued a France-specific advisory on the unrest.

However, DIRCO encourages South Africans travelling abroad to register their trips, so the department can contact them in an emergency.

You can do this through DIRCO’s Travel Smart app, or by emailing rosahelp@dirco.gov.za.

South Africans in France can also contact the South African Embassy in Paris by email at info.paris@dirco.gov.za.

IF YOU’RE IN FRANCE

If you live, work or study in France, or you’re there on holiday:

• Avoid protests and large gatherings, even if they appear peaceful. They can turn violent quickly.
• Stay away from known flashpoints, such as Place de la République in Paris.
• Follow the instructions of local police and authorities, including any bans on gatherings.
• Expect transport disruptions, and allow extra time to get around.
• Keep your passport secure, and carry a copy of it, rather than the original, when you go out.
• Keep your phone charged, and let family know you’re safe.

HEADING TO FRANCE SOON?

If you have a trip to France coming up:

• Check with your airline or travel agent for any changes to your flights or bookings.
• Read your travel insurance policy carefully. Some policies exclude claims related to civil unrest, so check what you’re covered for.
• Register your trip with DIRCO before you leave.
• Keep an eye on the news, and plan to avoid areas where protests are taking place.

WHY THE UNREST COULD CONTINUE

The protests began last month in high schools in the northern suburbs of Paris, where anger over teacher shortages and poor facilities grew into a broader movement about inequality and living standards.

France also faces a presidential election next year, which could keep tensions high.

ARE YOU A SOUTH AFRICAN LIVING IN FRANCE? HOW ARE THINGS WHERE YOU ARE?