Fri Sep 20 08:35:29 UTC 2024: ## French Territories Face Unrest: Curfew in Martinique, Two Killed in New Caledonia
**Paris, France:** France’s overseas territories are experiencing escalating unrest, with a curfew imposed in Martinique following protests against the high cost of living and two men killed by police in New Caledonia during an operation.
The violence comes as new French Prime Minister Michel Barnier struggles to form a government after inconclusive elections in June.
In Martinique, protests erupted over rising prices, particularly for food, which residents say are 30% higher than in mainland France. The situation escalated to riots, prompting the prefect to impose a nighttime curfew in certain areas. Demonstrations continued, with damaged cars blocking streets, burned debris strewn in the middle of traffic, and taxi drivers joining the protests.
Meanwhile, in New Caledonia, two men were killed during a police operation in Saint Louis, a stronghold of the independence movement. The incident occurred while police searched for individuals suspected of involvement in armed robberies and attacks on security forces. These killings raise the death toll on the island to 13 since the start of a crisis triggered by a controversial voting reform, which was suspended in June.
The reform, which was seen by the indigenous Kanak people as a threat to their voting power and future independence aspirations, sparked widespread unrest in May. Despite the suspension, violence continues to plague the region, a major nickel producer. France has deployed thousands of troops and police to the archipelago, which is located nearly 17,000km from Paris.
The escalating unrest in both territories poses a significant challenge for Barnier, who is facing mounting pressure to address the underlying issues driving the protests. The situation underscores the deep-seated economic and political grievances in France’s overseas territories, demanding immediate attention and effective solutions.
First Piper 