In Martinique, six police officers injured by gunfire during urban violence against the backdrop of mobilization against the high cost of living

While the island of Martinique has been experiencing a wave of mobilization since Sunday against the high cost of living, six police officers were targeted by gunfire and were slightly injured during urban violence that broke out in Fort-de-France, on the night of Monday 2 to Tuesday 3 September, the prefecture announced.

“During the night, they intervened three times against groups of violent individuals who targeted them with firearms and projectiles.”it is written in the press release, which specifies that the police officers were twice subjected to “live ammunition, which slightly injured six officials and damaged two vehicles”Three people were arrested.

The clashes took place in the Sainte-Thérèse district, near the Grand Port Maritime de Martinique. According to the prefecture, “Three cars and several garbage cans were set on fire (…)as well as materials stolen from a public works site”Three cans of gasoline were discovered near the barricades, with the prefecture announcing a ban on the sale of fuel in cans. “in order to prevent any risk”.

Food products 40% more expensive than in mainland France

On Monday morning, police had already intervened to unblock access to the port of Fort-de-France. Molotov cocktails and a can of gasoline were found, while piles of stones were also scattered behind barricades.

The activity of the Grand Port Maritime de Martinique, through which 98% of goods entering or leaving the overseas territory transit, has been disrupted since Sunday by a protest movement against the high cost of living. Several hundred people had responded to the call of the Rally for the Protection of Afro-Caribbean Peoples and Resources (RPPRAC), which is demanding that the price of food products be aligned with those practiced in mainland France.

Arrested early Sunday morning near a bus depot where damage was committed, the president of the RPPRAC, Rodrigue Petitot, was released Monday evening under the status of assisted witness. In response to his arrest, the dockers’ and port agents’ unions stopped work. They are also demanding negotiations on the issue of the high cost of living. Their movement continues Tuesday, according to the port management.

The issue of food prices is a major and daily concern for residents of overseas territories. In 2022, food products were on average 40% more expensive in Martinique than in mainland France, according to INSEE. Dairy products, meat, fruits and non-alcoholic beverages contribute the most to the observed differences in diet between the two territories. Among agri-food products, meat represents 17% of the consumption expenditure of Martinique households.the organization specifies. This gap in food prices has since widened further against a backdrop of high inflation.