Following the urban violence in Guadeloupe since September 18, 2024, the prefecture has introduced a curfew for minors in certain neighborhoods of Pointe-à-Pitre, Abymes, Gosier and Sainte-Rose. This prefectural decree prohibits the movement of unaccompanied minors between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. starting September 23.
Following the urban violence that broke out in Guadeloupe since the night of September 18, 2024, the prefecture has taken exceptional measures.
Thus, in the face of the unrest which shook several sectors of the communes of Pointe-à-Pitre, Abymes, Gosier and Sainte-Rose, a curfew for minors was introduced.
This decision, made official by prefectural decree, prohibits the movement of minors unaccompanied by an adult on public roads between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Starting this Monday, September 23.
The curfew specifically concerns certain districts of the municipalities most affected by the violence:
- Sainte-Rose: La Boucan and Bébel sectors
- Le Gosier: Poucet and Mare-Gaillard districts
- Pointe-à-Pitre: Lauricisque and Changy districts
- Les Abymes: Boisripeaux district
These areas have been the scene of repeated incidents, including riots, roadblocks, burning of speed cameras and attacks on law enforcement. There have also been reports of racketeering and looting of businesses, leading authorities to tighten security measures.
Since the beginning of the events, the internal security forces have had to deal with dangerous situations. The gendarmes and police officers present in the affected areas have been the target of stone throwing and Molotov cocktails, the prefecture indicates.
In Sainte-Rose, flaming roadblocks were set up every night and stores were looted.
In Pointe-à-Pitre, individuals set fire to vehicles and damaged street furniture, while in Les Abymes, burning barricades obstructed traffic.
According to the regional prefect, these acts of vandalism and nighttime violence have grown in scale over the days. They involve more and more minors.
Since September 18, several minors, some very young, have been arrested, including a child of only 12 years old. This participation of the youngest in the disturbances reinforces, for the State, the need to act quickly to protect not only public order, but also these young people themselves, exposed to clear risks to their safety.
The curfew, effective from this Monday evening (September 23, 2024) at 10 p.m. and until September 28, 2024 at 5 a.m., aims to limit the movement and parking of unaccompanied minors in the affected neighborhoods.
In the event of non-compliance with this measure, the young people will be handed over to their parents or guardians, and could be subject to educational measures, states the prefecture’s order. Any violation of this decision may also result in criminal sanctions.
Although temporary, this measure could be extended if the violence persists. The prefect called for responsibility from families and for everyone to collaborate to restore order on the island.
