Violent protests in Martinique prompt airport closure and curfew

Passengers were left stranded when the international airport in the Caribbean island of Martinique was forced to close by unrest over the cost of living in the French territory.

On Thursday dozens of protesters stormed the runway at the airport in the capital, Fort-de-France, prompting its closure. Inbound flights were re-directed to nearby Guadeloupe, also a French territory. The airport reopened on Friday.

A curfew has been imposed until at least Monday following a wave of violent protests.

Authorities have banned public gatherings, as well as the purchase of items that could be used for arson attacks.

Protests began in September to demand the alignment of local food prices with those of mainland France, where they are 40% lower. One protester has been shot dead and 26 police officers injured in the unrest.

Curfews have been introduced on the island since then, and in late September the French government sent in riot police after protesters ignored bans on public gatherings.

Unrest flared again on Monday when police tried to dismantle a road block, AFP news agency says.

In recent days burning barricades have been erected, businesses looted and vehicles set alight in many parts of the island.

One of the 26 officers injured had bullet wounds, AFP says. A man died in hospital from similar wounds on Thursday, following a night of rioting. An investigation has been launched into his death.

The local government said police had not opened fire.

French Overseas Minister François-Noël Buffet condemned the violence and called for “responsibility and calm”.

Residents of France’s overseas territories have long complained about the high cost of living.

The protests in Martinique were launched by the Assembly for the Protection of Afro-Caribbean Peoples and Resources, which says food prices should be the same as on mainland France.

On Tuesday Fort-de-France Mayor Didier Laguerre acknowledged that people in Martinique – a territory of 350,000 people – were struggling: “I understand the suffering and anger.”