France is sending additional security forces to the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe. Protesters in Guadeloupe and neighboring Martinique have erected barricades and blocked roads this month as anger mounted over an order also in place in mainland France requiring health workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Numerous arrests have been reported in Guadeloupe and Martinique since the protests began including attacks on police and other security officers.
Martinique and Guadeloupe islands suffer higher poverty and unemployment rates than mainland France, and the protests have put a spotlight on local anger over broader issues with the French government.
In Guadeloupe, there is a historic mistrust of the government's handling of health crises after many people were systematically exposed to toxic pesticides used in banana plantations in the 1970s and protesters have insisted they should be allowed to make their own choices about health treatment.
France has since postponed its mandatory vaccination requirement until December 31 to allow for dialogue.