Réunion: “Yellow vest” movement continues throughout the island Nov. 27 /update 10

Event

Protests and disruptions associated with the "yellow vest" movement continue throughout Réunion as of Tuesday, November 27. Over 20 roadblocks remain in place, leading to significant traffic disruptions. Passenger services and flight operations at Roland Garros International Airport (RUN) will again be suspended from 16:00 on Tuesday until 06:15 on Wednesday (local time).

Schools and universities remain closed, public transportation disrupted, and public services interrupted (administrative services, waste collection, etc.). Furthermore, shortages continue to be reported at gas stations and food shops and the sale of alcohol has been prohibited in the Sainte-Marie district from noon (local time) on November 26 until noon on November 30. However, the curfew, lifted on November 25, remains suspended.

Oversea Minister Annick Girardin is scheduled to arrive on the island on Wednesday; associated protests and disruptions are likely and violence cannot be ruled out. Continued unrest is likely over the coming days despite an announcement made last week that a proposed fuel tax increase, which sparked the movement, would be postponed. Additional security forces remain deployed.

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.