High-ranking French ministers hold talks with protest leaders in French Guiana in an effort to resolve rising tensions across the department.
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France’s Interior Minister and Minister for Overseas Territories have held talks with protest leaders in French Guiana, in an effort to seek a solution to ten days of social unrest.
A movement called The 500 Brothers has been calling for greater security in the French territory ahead of next month’s presidential elections.
The group’s members have largely kept their faces covered- However, its leader Olivier Goudet spoke out wearing just sunglasses, to tell the politicians not to worry.
“We’re sending this message to the ministers: don’t be afraid, do not be scared. From now on, you are safe.”
French Guiana has a population of just over 200,000, but is the department with the highest murder rate in France. At rallies that have closed roads, schools, businesses and municipal buildings, the group has called for protection against crime in the South American territory. It also struggles with high unemployment.
The 500 Brothers movement is demanding the same infrastructures as the rest of the country, whatever the outcome of the election.