France announced new curfew measures on Friday in response to escalating civil unrest on its Caribbean island of Martinique, where protests have erupted over rising living costs.
The local French administration for Martinique has imposed a ban on public gatherings until October 14 and restricted the sale of items that could potentially be used for arson attacks.
The protests, which have severely disrupted daily life, have also affected air travel.
Authorities confirmed that flights at Martinique’s main airport were disrupted, leading to rerouting of flights to the nearby French island of Guadeloupe.
Since September 2024, Martinique has seen widespread protests and violent confrontations driven by frustration over the rising cost of living.
In response, the central French government has imposed bans on public protests in several municipalities and deployed elite riot police to the territory.
This deployment has added fuel to the fire, as such units had been barred from the island for over 65 years following their involvement in the fatal shooting of young demonstrators.
Martinique has a long history of social unrest, with protests frequently arising over racial and economic inequality.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the island saw significant demonstrations against the French government’s restrictions, particularly in November 2021.
The current unrest marks another chapter in the island’s ongoing struggle for social and economic justice.
NAN
