These protests, which began in early September, have seen food prices in Martinique reported to be 40% higher than in mainland France.

Prefect Jean-Christophe Bouvier announced that the curfew will remain in effect at least until September 23, emphasizing the need for increased police presence and arrests in the affected areas.

Several stores were looted amid the protests, prompting government officials to urge for calm.

A curfew has been imposed in select neighborhoods of Fort-de-France and Lamentin due to violent unrest stemming from protests against high living costs in Martinique.

During the unrest, two police officers sustained injuries to their legs from lead shots, but their conditions are not life-threatening.

Local leaders have criticized the violent methods employed during the protests, arguing that such actions undermine the legitimacy of the movement aimed at addressing high living costs.

The Prefect described the situation as a 'strategy of chaos,' highlighting close calls with violence against police vehicles.

Since the onset of the unrest, 33 individuals have been arrested, with reports of 44 vehicles burned and 59 businesses vandalized.

As tensions escalated, police used tear gas to disperse demonstrators, reflecting the growing volatility of the situation.

The prefect justified the ban on demonstrations as a necessary measure to restore order and prevent disruptions to daily life, particularly over the weekend.

Last weekend, hypermarkets were blocked by calls from the Rassemblement pour la protection des peuples et des ressources afro caribéennes (RPPRAC), which demands transparency in ongoing negotiations.

Following several nights of unrest, Fort-de-France has seen damaged vehicles, burnt debris, and deserted streets, illustrating the impact of the ongoing violence.