News Americas, New York, NY, September 24, 2024: France has deployed special riot police in Martinique to address violent protests over the high cost of living that erupted last week, leaving at least six police officers and a civilian wounded by gunfire. Demonstrators continue to gather despite a government ban on protests in some parts of the island.
The elite riot police, known as the Companies for Republican Security (CRS), were previously banned from Martinique after being accused of using excessive force during deadly protests in 1959. Although they were rarely deployed in French Caribbean territories, they were called during the Guadeloupe 2009 riots.
The government has imposed a curfew and banned protests in Fort-de-France, Le Lamentin, Ducos and Le Robert, citing concerns about looting and violence. Officials said the restrictions are intended to “protect the public and businesses targeted by vandals” and end disruption to daily life.
Over the weekend, peaceful protesters were seen marching along highways, demanding lower food import taxes, as prices are said to be up to 40% higher than in France. Talks between the interested parties have so far failed to reach a solution.
Béatrice Bellay, a representative of the Socialist party, criticized the decision to deploy the CRS, stating, “Martinique is not in a civil war, it is a social war” and warning that the move could further escalate tensions.
The French statistics office Insee conducted a year-long study in Martinique in 2022, which found that food prices on the island were 40% higher than in mainland France. Experts cited transportation costs, an uncompetitive market among local vendors and customs fees as reasons for the expense.
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