Réunion: Situation remains tense December 3 /update 15

Event

As of Monday, December 3, the situation remains tense throughout Réunion for the 17th consecutive day amid ongoing "yellow vest" ("gilets jaunes") protests, despite some easing the day prior. As of noon (local time), some roadblocks remain in place, although there are fewer than in the previous week. The blockade around the main seaport, the Grand Port Maritime, has been lifted amid an ongoing security operation, allowing goods to be delivered. Some stores and gas stations were able to restock their shelves and fuel tanks over the weekend. Schools have reopened on Monday and public transportation services have resumed; however, the entrance to the university remains blocked. Furthermore, the nightly closures at Roland Garros International Airport (RUN) - from 16:00 to 05:00 - remains in effect as of December 3. Air France, however, has announced that normal services should resume on December 4.

Context

Demonstrations denouncing rising fuel prices and a planned fuel tax began on November 17 throughout France, with demonstrators in Réunion setting up roadblocks, setting fire to buildings, and ransacking shops. The government had planned the tax increase to come into effect on January 1, 2019, to promote environmentally friendly practices.

Advice

Individuals in Réunion are advised to monitor developments to the situation, adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities, allow for extra time to reach their destinations, and avoid all protests.