Violent riots that broke out on the French Caribbean island of Martinique have resulted in the implementation of a curfew in various districts of its administrative hub, Fort-de-France, according to the local prefecture. The curfew, which is in effect from 9 PM to 5 AM in the port area and other sections of the city, will continue until at least September 23, as further law enforcement actions are being deployed throughout the island.
Fort-de-France’s port, which is the major hub and serves as the primary delivery hub for the region, has become the focal point of a significant protest movement against rising food prices that commenced at the beginning of this week.
The government of Martinique previously announced that a minimum of six police officers sustained injuries from gunfire amid the violent riots, and two unidentified individuals have been apprehended in relation to these events.
Earlier this week, a McDonald’s located in the Dillon city district was torched, along with several barricades, as reported by local authorities. Additionally, the Carrefour hypermarket in the same area was reportedly “stormed by approximately fifty individuals, who erected a barricade in the parking lot and attempted to burn it.”
In recent years, comparable demonstrations have occurred in Martinique and various other overseas territories, largely driven by anger regarding the escalating cost of living. The most recent report from the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (Insee) indicates that in 2022, food prices in Martinique and other French overseas territories were 40% greater than those in mainland France.
