Demonstrations punctuated by clashes are taking place in Martinique and Guadeloupe, where residents’ anger at the high cost of living has been growing since September 18. To deal with this urban violence, measures are being taken by the authorities, which are sometimes reinforced or extended to new areas.
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The recent appointment of Francois-Noël Buffet at the Ministry of Overseas Territories within the government of Michel Barnier intervenes in a context considered explosive in the French Antilles and in New Caledonia. This is particularly the case in Martinique and Guadeloupe where the protests against high cost of living continue.
In Martiniquethe partial curfew in place since September 18 has now been extended to the working-class neighborhood of Sainte-Thérèse in Fort-de-France, the epicenter of urban violence on the island. A general curfew has been in effect since Monday, September 23, from 9:30 p.m. to 5 a.m., until September 26. Other measures also accompany this system, such as a ban on the sale of gasoline to individuals or the purchase and sale of explosive products. These measures will remain in effect until September 30 at 6 p.m.
Law enforcement massively deployed
The 8th Republican Security Company specializes in restoring and maintaining order and also in combating urban violence. This decision to have the CRS 8 intervene in Martinique had not been taken for 65 years, during the deadly riots of 1959 when three young people lost their lives during three days of protest. An intervention very badly received by some Martinicans who consider it as a kind of provocation.
The presence of this unit surely reflects the security situation on the island where, according to the authorities, there is a significant circulation of firearms. Last week, several police officers were injured by live ammunition during urban violence that they were trying to contain.
Tensions also in Guadeloupe
In Guadeloupethe regional prefect announced on Monday, September 23, the implementation of a curfew for minors. This security measure concerns sectors of the municipalities of Pointe-à-Pitre, Abymes, Gosier and Sainte-Rose. The neighborhoods affected by this curfew are the Boucan and Bébel sectors in Sainte Rose, the Poucet and Marie-Gaillard neighborhoods in Gosier, the Lauricisque and Changy neighborhoods in Pointe-à-Pitre and the Boisripeaux neighborhood in Abymes.
Minors in these areas are prohibited from moving around without being accompanied by an adult between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., at least until September 28. According to the authorities, this measure aims to limit “ youth delinquency ” and encourage a return to calm.
According to Martinique MP Jovani William, the situation has calmed down in the last 24 hours, but there is still growing concern among the population following the deployment of the 8th CRS Company in Martinique. On the Guadeloupe side, the situation remains tense with new roadblocks set up on September 23.
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