France don impose new curfew for Martinique, one of their Caribbean islands, after fresh riots break out over high living costs. The riots, which start early September, dey protest against the high price of food and other essentials on the island.
On Wednesday to Thursday night, protesters loot shops, set up burning barricades, and clash with police. One person die from gunshot wound, and 12 gendarmes receive minor injuries, including one wounded by gunfire. At least three stores and several car parks were set ablaze, and burnt-out cars block traffic on main roads in Fort-de-France, the island’s main city.
The local prefecture say police no open fire during the night, and the dead person was discovered by police responding to reports of looting at a shopping centre in the town of Robert. Schools on the island remain closed on Thursday due to the unrest.
French Overseas Minister Francois-Noel Buffet condemn the violence and call for “responsibility and calm”. The protests were launched by the Assembly for the Protection of Afro-Caribbean Peoples and Resources (RPPRAC), which demand that food prices be aligned with mainland France. Food prices on Martinique are 40 percent higher than in mainland France.
The French administration in Martinique announce a ban on public gatherings until 14 October and impose a curfew from 9pm to 5am. The sale of materials that could be used in arson attacks was also prohibited. Martinique’s airport and schools were shut down on Friday following the fresh wave of protests.
