Martinique: Authorities impose nightly curfew due to continued unrest as of Nov. 26 /update 1

Event

Authorities in Martinique have imposed a nightly 19:00-05:00 curfew due to continued unrest and significant business and transport disruptions on the island as of Nov. 26. Authorities gave no indication of when the curfew will end, but say it will remain in place “until calm is restored”.

Activist groups launched an indefinite general strike Nov. 22 in protest of COVID-19 vaccination mandates and protesters have looted businesses and set up burning barricades across the island in recent days. At least 10 police officers were injured, five with bullet wounds, amid protests Nov. 25-26; authorities reported that gunshots were also fired at journalists covering the unrest. No journalists were injured. Further armed clashes remain possible.

Continued roadblocks and major clashes between protesters and security forces are likely through at least Nov. 30, causing major transport and business disruptions across the island. The arson and looting of retail businesses remain possible. A major deployment of police is likely throughout the unrest.

Context

The general strike and protests follow similar labor actions and demonstrations in nearby Guadeloupe, another French island where vaccine mandates have sparked significant unrest. French authorities have responded to the unrest in Guadeloupe by sending special police forces to the island from mainland France; such a deployment to Martinique may also occur in an effort to quell the unrest.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a precaution. If violence occurs nearby, immediately leave the area. Heed the instructions of security personnel. Do not attempt to drive through roadblocks; wait for the police to dismantle them instead. Reconfirm all business appointments.