The French Minister of the Overseas, François-Noël Buffet, arrived in Martinique for
a scheduled visit, which lasted until 14 November. The visit by the minister was made in the context
of protests linked to the high cost of living which have gripped Martinique since September.
The leader of key protest group the Rally for the Protection of Afro-Caribbean Peoples and Resources
(RPPRAC), Rodrigue Petitot (known as “Le R”), entered the prefectural residence on 11 November
demanding to meet the visiting minister, before being escorted off the premises by police.
Subsequently, on the afternoon of 12 November, in Canal Alaric, Fort-de-France, Petitot was arrested
on charges of home invasion and acts of intimidation against people exercising a public function.
After ten days of relative calm in Martinique, the arrest triggered a resurgence in violent unrest in
Fort-de-France. Between 100 and 350 demonstrators convened in front of the police station on
Boulevard General de Gaulle demanding the release of Petitot. Violent clashes ensued, with security
forces deploying tear gas and stun grenades, and some protesters allegedly opening fire with live
ammunition in the direction of security forces. Three police officers were treated for minor injuries.
Buffet left Martinique on 14 November. Although the minister did not ultimately meet with RPPRAC
during his visit, Buffet told a journalist that a meeting would happen in the future.