Guadeloupe Extends Nightly Curfew Amid Violent Protests Against COVID-19 Rules

Guadeloupe Extends Nightly Curfew Amid Violent Protests Against COVID-19 Rules
People participate in a peaceful protest against the government's coronavirus disease (COVID-19) protocols through downtown Fort de France after the unrest triggered by these curbs, which have already rocked the nearby island of Guadeloupe, in Fort-De-France, Martinique Nov. 28, 2021. (Ricardo Arduengo/Reuters)
Reuters
12/3/2021
Updated:
12/3/2021

PARIS—The prefect of Guadeloupe, the representative of the French central state in the overseas territory, on Thursday said he would extend a nightly curfew until Dec. 7, citing a continued threat to public order amid protest over COVID-19 rules.

The decision concerned Pointe-a-Pitre, the archipelago’s main city, as well as twenty other municipalities, the prefect said in a statement.

He added that public order on the Caribbean island was still troubled, with police arresting armed protesters and continued blockades on public roads.

France last week said it is open to discuss autonomy for Guadeloupe if it is in the interests of the people who live there after the violent protest had shaken the territory.

By Tassilo Hummel