Islam Times - Curfew Imposed in French Caribbean Island after Violent Riots

Islam Times - A curfew has been enforced in several districts of Fort-de-France, Martinique, following violent protests over escalating food prices, local authorities reported, as cited by Le Monde.

Fierce protests erupted on the French Caribbean island of Martinique, prompting the local prefecture to impose a curfew from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. in the port area and several other districts of Fort-de-France.

The restrictions are set to remain in place until at least September 23, as additional security measures are being implemented across the island.

The port, a crucial delivery hub for the territory, has become the focal point of protests that started earlier this week in response to surging food prices.

The Martinique government confirmed that at least six police officers were injured by gunfire during the riots, with two suspects arrested in connection with the violence.

On Tuesday night, a McDonald's restaurant in the Dillon district was set on fire, while multiple barricades were erected, according to local authorities cited by AFP.

In the same neighborhood, a Carrefour hypermarket was stormed by around 50 individuals who built a barricade in the parking lot and attempted to set it ablaze.

Similar protests have occurred in Martinique and other French overseas territories in recent years, often driven by anger over the rising cost of living.

According to the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (Insee), food prices in Martinique and other French overseas territories were 40% higher than in mainland France in 2022.