The prefecture of Martinique announced on Monday that the night curfew has been extended until 28 October across the French Caribbean island. This decision comes in response to a recent surge in urban violence, which has seen multiple roadblocks and incidents over the past weeks.
In an official decree, the prefecture of Martinique stated that "all movement of individuals in public spaces is prohibited between midnight and 5.00 am until 28 October."
The curfew is part of broader measures that also restrict the sale and transportation of gasoline and the use of fireworks.
The latest wave of unrest occurred Sunday night into Monday, marked by reports of around a dozen roadblocks, the looting of a gas station, and injuries among law enforcement officers. This unrest follows a brief period of relative calm in previous nights.
The escalation in violence comes as the French Caribbean island prepares for a day of protests against high living costs, organised by the Assembly for the Protection of Afro-Caribbean Peoples and Resources (RPPRAC).
The citizen collective, which has been at the forefront of the movement against rising prices, refused to sign an agreement aimed at reducing the prices of approximately 6,000 food products by an average of 20 percent.
Martinique strikes deal with distributors to cut soaring food prices
This agreement had been negotiated by the police chief, local distributors, and the territorial collectivity of Martinique.
The RPPRAC deemed the number of products included in the agreement insufficient, highlighting that food prices in the region are about 40 percent higher than in mainland France.
The group has called for continued mobilisation, with around 2,000 participants expected at upcoming demonstrations.
This curfew follows an initial partial lockdown from 18 to 26 September, aimed at curbing riots, and a subsequent nighttime movement ban that began on 10 October, which was set to expire on Monday morning.
(with AFP)
