Violence escalates in Guadeloupe

Social mobilization in Guadeloupe has turned into criminal activity, with reports of shop burglaries, fires, and destructions happening at night between Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18, 2026. The neighborhoods around Anquetil were initially targeted, with the violence spreading to the center of Pointe-à-Pitre and Abymes.

Damage and injuries reported

Police confirmed that several shops on Frebault Street were looted, the Carrefour Express in Abymes burned down, and additional damages were reported. Three police officers were injured by gunfire, and law enforcement faced violent opposition, including projectiles, mortars, and firearms, including automatic weapons.

Military police deployed

The RAID (search, assistance, intervention, deterrence) of the national police and the PSIG (Surveillance and Intervention Squad of the Gendarmerie) were deployed, later supported by the GIGN (National Gendarmerie Intervention Group). Three officials were slightly injured by gunfire, with one requiring surgery to remove a bullet from his leg.

Arrests and investigations

The DTPN (Territorial Directorate of the National Police) reported that three vandals were arrested by the Anti-Criminality Brigade (BAC) in the act of looting, while others are being identified. General Commissioner Philippe Miziniak noted that roadblocks at the Anquetil roundabout in Abymes may have aimed to divert police attention before the acts in Pointe-à-Pitre.

Context of the mobilization

The mobilization, led by the collective Nou Las Palé, has been fighting for demands related to water, the cost of living, and fuel prices. However, the situation has crossed a new threshold, with increasing cases of shots targeting security forces.

Aftermath and calm

At 7:00 am on Sunday, calm seemed to have returned in the Pointe-à-Pitre area, with a crisis cell activated at the prefecture and looted shops being secured. The social mobilization has also led to incidents where individuals expressing opinions, such as Patricia Braflan-Trobo, have faced sexist and threatening remarks.

National statistics and other events

The Ministry of the Interior has published its 2025 report on violent deaths within couples, noting a 4% increase compared to 2024, with 111 women killed nationwide and 11 in overseas territories. Other events include a former school bus driver from Saint-Barthélemy sentenced to 10 years in prison for incestuous sexual assault and a major water supply disruption in Mayotte due to a pipeline leak.