Guadeloupe imposes night curfew on minors after violent protests over cost of living

In response to a wave of urban violence tied to the cost-of-living protests, the prefect of Guadeloupe issued a temporary curfew for anyone under 18 in the municipalities of Pointe-à-Pitre and Les Abymes. The restriction, effective from 20:00 on Sunday until 06:00 on Monday, applies only to minors not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. During the night, protesters erected flaming barricades, set fire to several shops and threw projectiles, including gunfire that injured three police officers.

Officials observed a significant number of teenagers among the demonstrators and said the curfew is intended to keep them safe. The disturbances occur amid heightened tension on the islands, where the “Nou las Palé” collective has been blocking key roadways since Wednesday to demand relief from rising prices. The prefect condemned the violent acts as unacceptable crimes distinct from peaceful protest.