Réunion: Situation remains tense throughout the island Nov. 26 /update 9

Event

The situation remains tense in Réunion as of Monday, November 26. Despite the lifting of the curfew on November 25, disruptions continue to be reported throughout the island. Schools and universities remain closed, public transportation remains disrupted, and shortages continue to be reported at gas stations and food shops. At least 30 roadblocks remain in place, notably around Roland Garros International Airport (RUN), leading to significant traffic disruptions. Passenger services and flight operations at RUN will again be suspended from 16:00 on Monday until 06:15 on Tuesday.

Additional protests are likely over the coming days despite an announcement made last week that a proposed fuel tax increase, which sparked the unrest, would be postponed. Additional security forces remain deployed to quell the violence.

Context

Demonstrations denouncing rising fuel prices and a planned fuel tax began on November 17 throughout France, with demonstrators in Réunion setting up roadblocks, setting fire to buildings, and ransacking shops. The government had planned a tax increase on fuel prices, including gasoline and diesel, beginning on January 1, 2019, to promote environmentally friendly practices.

Advice

Individuals in Réunion are advised to monitor developments to the situation, adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities, allow for extra time to reach their destinations, and avoid all protests.