France Mobilizes 70,000 Security Officers Ahead of Weekend Protests, Postpones West African Tour

The French government announced on Friday that approximately 70,000 police officers will be deployed nationwide to prepare for upcoming protests this weekend. The massive security mobilization follows some of the most severe urban violence seen in years during demonstrations last week.

President Emmanuel Macron has postponed his scheduled late-month visit to Nigeria and Senegal due to the ongoing domestic crisis. In the meantime, Macron convened a high-level defense council with top ministers and officials, and was slated to meet with security force representatives.

Additionally, the president was scheduled to host high school student representatives for the first time. Their initial protests over school conditions have since expanded into a broad, nationwide movement expressing public anger over the rising cost of living.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez confirmed during a press conference in Paris that the 70,000 security personnel will be active on Saturday. He issued a stern warning regarding social media posts inciting violence and looting, which have been spreading online.

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