Riots Erupt in French Overseas Territory
Authorities in Martinique have implemented a curfew in the capital after multiple nights of unrest related to the rising cost of living. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
A curfew has been implemented in Martinique due to intense protests sparked by the escalating cost of living.
According to Le Monde, citing the local prefecture, the curfew covers several areas of Fort-de-France, the island's administrative center, from 9pm to 5am, specifically in the port zone and various other city sectors. This measure will be in place until at least September 23 as authorities bolster law enforcement throughout the region.
The main hub of the protests has been the city’s port, a crucial entry point for goods into the region, where demonstrators have been actively protesting against the sharp rise in food prices since the start of the week.
The local government previously announced that during the unrest, at least six police officers were wounded by gunfire, and two individuals were arrested in relation to these events.
Additionally, on Tuesday evening, havoc spread through the Dillon district where a McDonald’s and numerous barricades were set ablaze, as per local officials speaking to AFP. The nearby Carrefour hypermarket witnessed disruptions by approximately fifty people who erected barricades and attempted to ignite them in the parking lot.
These kinds of protests, driven by anger over increasing living costs, are not new to Martinique or other French overseas regions. A recent study by the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies revealed that in 2022, food prices in these territories were 40% more than in mainland France.
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
According to Le Monde, citing the local prefecture, the curfew covers several areas of Fort-de-France, the island's administrative center, from 9pm to 5am, specifically in the port zone and various other city sectors. This measure will be in place until at least September 23 as authorities bolster law enforcement throughout the region.
The main hub of the protests has been the city’s port, a crucial entry point for goods into the region, where demonstrators have been actively protesting against the sharp rise in food prices since the start of the week.
The local government previously announced that during the unrest, at least six police officers were wounded by gunfire, and two individuals were arrested in relation to these events.
Additionally, on Tuesday evening, havoc spread through the Dillon district where a McDonald’s and numerous barricades were set ablaze, as per local officials speaking to AFP. The nearby Carrefour hypermarket witnessed disruptions by approximately fifty people who erected barricades and attempted to ignite them in the parking lot.
These kinds of protests, driven by anger over increasing living costs, are not new to Martinique or other French overseas regions. A recent study by the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies revealed that in 2022, food prices in these territories were 40% more than in mainland France.
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
