12 Jan 2022 | 02:42 PM UTC
Guadeloupe: Protesters block several roads early Jan. 12
Protesters build roadblocks in several areas across Guadeloupe, Jan. 12. Disruptions and protests likely to continue in coming days.
Event
Activists have continued to protest and block main roads in several parts of Guadeloupe as of Jan. 12. Authorities have, however, cleared barricades in Route de Gery, in Vieux-Habitants, the Perrin roundabout in Les Abymes, and roads in the Riviere des Peres area of Basse-Terre. Several roads in the district of Mare-Gaillard remain blocked. Demonstrators have been staging several protests in Guadeloupe to oppose COVID-19 measures and are likely to attempt to continue to block main roads in the coming days.
Significant transport disruptions have been reported, and are likely to continue for the coming hours. Acts of violence are also possible as demonstrators have clashed with police on several occasions in the past.
Context
Major protests occurred in Guadeloupe during November and December 2021 in opposition to COVID-19 measures. Tensions have resurfaced, following a protest action Jan. 4 by opponents of vaccine mandates, who took over the entrance of the University Hospital Center (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire) and attacked several hospital employees, including its director.
Advice
Avoid all protests. Strictly heed instructions from authorities. Allow additional time to reach your destination if operating in Guadeloupe, Jan. 12.
