The French government has announced new curfew measures to address ongoing civil unrest in Martinique, where violent protests have erupted due to growing anger over the rising cost of living.
Effective immediately, public gatherings are banned until October 14, and restrictions have been placed on the sale of items that could potentially be used for arson.
According to the AFP, the local administration revealed that flights at Martinique’s airport have been severely disrupted by the protests, leading to several flights being diverted to the neighboring French territory of Guadeloupe.
Protests and clashes with law enforcement have been widespread in Martinique since September 2024, with residents expressing frustration over surging living expenses.
The situation has escalated further due to the reintroduction of elite riot police, who were previously banned from the island for more than six decades following a violent crackdown on young demonstrators.
Martinique has long been a hotspot for protests, especially regarding racial and economic inequalities.
This civil unrest follows a history of resistance, including mass protests during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, when demonstrators voiced opposition to restrictions imposed by the French central government.
The new curfew measures reflect the French administration’s efforts to quell the unrest and restore order to the Caribbean territory. However, tensions remain high as residents continue to call for economic relief and social justice.