France’s overseas territories in the Caribbean and the Pacific are facing a new wave of unrest, with the situation escalating in both New Caledonia and Martinique, Al Jazeera reports.
The violence presents a significant challenge for new Prime Minister Michel Barnier, who is struggling to form a government after a June election resulted in no party securing an absolute majority.
In New Caledonia, a controversial voting reform plan triggered a crisis in mid-May, leading to a spike in violence. On Thursday, two men were killed during an overnight police operation in Saint Louis, a stronghold of the independence movement. The deaths bring the total death toll in the Pacific island territory to 13 since the crisis began.
The deaths occurred while police searched for individuals suspected of involvement in armed robbery and attacks on security forces.
The incident comes as France has deployed thousands of soldiers and police to the archipelago, a major nickel producer, following months of violence. The damage caused by the unrest has been estimated at $2.4 billion.
Meanwhile, in the Caribbean territory of Martinique, the prefect has imposed a nighttime curfew in certain districts of Fort-de-France and Le Lamentin to curb escalating violence. The curfew, which began on Wednesday, will remain in effect until at least September 23, from 9pm to 5am.
The curfew is a response to protests sparked by the island’s high cost of living, which has led to anger and frustration among residents. Activist Rodrigue Petitot told Al Jazeera that food prices in Martinique are 30 percent higher than in mainland France. Fellow activist Gladys Roger echoed these concerns, noting that a significant portion of the island’s population is struggling with poverty, making it difficult for families to meet basic needs.
The protests, which began in early September, have led to clashes with authorities and widespread damage. The prefect of Martinique, Jean-Christophe Bouvier, reported 15 arrests related to the unrest.
