Martinique and Guadeloupe face unrest over cost of living

Protests regarding the high cost of living have escalated in the French overseas territories of Martinique and Guadeloupe. In Martinique, the Rassemblement pour la Protection des Peuples et des Ressources Afro-Caribéens (RPPRAC) has issued an open letter to the French government, demanding the departure of the Martinique prefect and the resignation of the president of the Collectivité Territoriale de Martinique (CTM) before any further dialogue can occur.

Rodrigue Petitot, president of the RPPRAC, stated that the group has been left with no choice but to continue their mobilization. The unrest has led to significant disruptions, including the establishment of over twenty roadblocks on the RN5 in Martinique, the looting of shops in Le Robert and Saint-Pierre, and several armed robberies. Authorities reported that six individuals were arrested in Martinique following these incidents.

In Guadeloupe, 44 people have been detained following violence related to the cost-of-living crisis. French Overseas Minister Naïma Moutchou condemned the violence and the attacks on law enforcement, stating that while concerns regarding purchasing power are legitimate, looting and aggression are unjustifiable. She called for responsibility and noted that territories need solutions rather than destruction.