20 Jan 2022 | 10:41 PM UTC
Guadeloupe: Protesters clash with police in multiple locations Jan. 20
Protesters build roadblocks, clash with police in Guadeloupe, Jan. 20. Disruptions and protests likely to continue in coming days.
Event
Activists are blocking roads, setting fires, and clashing with police in multiple locations across Guadeloupe as of early evening Jan. 20. While the demonstrations are particularly disruptive in Les Abymes and Pointe-a-Pitre, additional protests are likely throughout the island.
Demonstrators have staged several protests in Guadeloupe to oppose COVID-19-related measures and will probably 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.
Context
Major protests occurred in Guadeloupe in November and December 2021 in opposition to COVID-19 measures. In January, tensions 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.
Advice
Avoid all protests. Strictly heed instructions from authorities. Allow additional time to reach your destination if operating in Guadeloupe.
