France has dispatched a special anti-riot police force to the French Caribbean island of Martinique, marking the return of a unit that had been banned for 65 years. The deployment comes in response to ongoing protests on the island, despite the government's prohibition of demonstrations in certain areas and the imposition of a curfew.
Last week, violent protests erupted in Martinique over the high cost of living, resulting in injuries to several police officers and a civilian. The unrest included gunfire, tear gas deployment by police, and reports of looting at various stores.
In an effort to quell the violence and restore order, the government issued bans on protests in specific municipalities and implemented a curfew. However, these measures were met with defiance by many residents, leading to large peaceful demonstrations over the weekend.
As the peaceful protests continued, a contingent of French anti-riot police, known as the Companies for Republican Security, arrived on the island and took up residence in Fort-de-France. The deployment of this elite unit, which had been disbanded in 1959 following accusations of excessive force during riots, represents a significant development in response to the unrest in Martinique.
While some local leaders welcomed the presence of the anti-riot police, others criticized the move as unnecessary and potentially inflammatory. Calls for open dialogue between protesters and the government have been made, with concerns raised about the impact of the police deployment on the ongoing social tensions in Martinique.
The situation in Martinique remains fluid, with the government seeking to address the underlying issues fueling the protests while also maintaining public order and safety on the island.
