Guadeloupe Extends Curfew Amid Rising Urban Violence
In a decisive response to escalating urban violence, the prefect of Guadeloupe, Xavier Lefort, announced on September 24 the extension of a curfew for minors across additional municipalities. This measure, initially implemented in seven sectors, now encompasses nine more areas, including Capesterre-Belle-Eau and Lamentin, in an effort to mitigate youth delinquency and restore safety.
The curfew prohibits minors from being outside between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. The affected sectors in Capesterre-Belle-Eau include Sapotille, Ilet Pérou, and Sainte-Marie, while Lamentin includes Blachon, Le Bourg, Solitude, Crâne, Bréfort, and Borel. The curfew will remain in effect until September 28, 2024, as a response to violence that has plagued the region since mid-September, characterized by barricades, roadblocks, and even attacks on security forces with stones and Molotov cocktails.
The public prosecutor of Pointe-à-Pitre, Caroline Calbo, has indicated that investigations are ongoing into several incidents of looting, including four stores in Sainte-Rose. Since the onset of the violence, five minors have been arrested, and one 18-year-old was apprehended with flammable materials near a roadblock. The judicial response has focused on educational penalties, including community service and confiscation of devices used to coordinate the disturbances, such as cell phones linked to WhatsApp groups.
Similar Unrest in Martinique
While Guadeloupe grapples with these challenges, neighboring Martinique is witnessing comparable unrest, primarily fueled by protests against the rising cost of living. The unrest in both islands highlights a broader regional issue, as social tensions continue to mount in the French Caribbean. The prefecture has emphasized that no formal claims have been made regarding the ongoing violence, yet the situation remains volatile and requires careful monitoring. As authorities work to restore order, the focus remains on safeguarding the community and addressing the underlying causes of unrest.
