In response to escalating protests over rising living costs, the French government has deployed anti-riot police, the Republican Security Companies (CRS) 8, to Martinique. This marks the first deployment of CRS units to the island since their ban in December 1959, which followed violent protests and heavy-handed police intervention in Fort-de-France. Established in July 2021, CRS 8 is designed for urban violence and high-intensity law enforcement operations, according to France’s Ministry of the Interior. Read more here.
The protests began in early September 2024, driven by consumer prices in Martinique being approximately 14 percent higher than those in mainland France, according to l’Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques. The unrest has also spread to nearby Guadeloupe. To curb the riots, the French government imposed an evening curfew and has arrested 27 individuals since the onset of the demonstrations. The authorities have also set up roadblocks and reported incidents of gunfire directed at the police. More details can be found here.
In addition to the curfew, the Prefect of Martinique has banned demonstrations in several major towns, including Fort-de-France, Le Lamentin, Ducos, and Le Robert. In a statement, the prefect committed to continuing to address the cost of living crisis while also calling for peace among the community. A major security operation is ongoing, involving not just the CRS 8 but also “internal security forces.” Further updates are expected in a press conference scheduled for Tuesday at 10 AM. Click here for the latest developments.