Baku Initiative Group unveils devastating impact of French occupation in Martinique

The Baku Initiative Group (BIG) has published a comprehensive infographic shedding light on the far-reaching and devastating consequences of France’s ongoing occupation of Martinique.

The infographic, shared on the Group’s social media platforms, provides a stark comparison of the island’s socioeconomic and crime statistics between 1940 and 2024, illustrating the long-term detrimental effects of colonial rule, Caliber.Az reports.

The data reveals that inflation on the island, which stood at just 0.5% in 1940, has surged to 2% by 2024, while the unemployment rate has almost doubled, from 10.5% to a staggering 19.2%. These figures highlight the economic decline that has worsened under French occupation. Furthermore, the average monthly income on the island has plummeted, dropping from the equivalent of €2,070 in 1940 to just €1,200 in 2024, painting a grim picture of deteriorating living standards for Martinique's population.

Equally alarming are the crime rates, which have skyrocketed during this period. Violent robbery cases, measured per 100,000 inhabitants, have surged by a staggering 1,750%, climbing from 20 cases in 1940 to 370 in 2024. Armed robbery has similarly escalated by 1,500%, while incidents of burglary have jumped by 1,160%. The rise in sexual assault cases is even more pronounced, with a 1,600% increase from 10 cases in 1940 to 170 cases today. Additionally, the murder rate has soared by 1,300%, escalating from 2 to 28 cases per 100,000 people, reflecting the sharp deterioration in public safety.

The Baku Initiative Group, headquartered in Azerbaijan’s capital, is a prominent diplomatic and advocacy organisation focused on advancing the rights of colonised peoples. It works to foster global dialogue, promote self-determination, and raise awareness about the human rights violations faced by populations under colonial or neo-colonial rule. 

In addition to its efforts to expose the negative impacts of colonialism, BIG organises conferences and forums aimed at providing platforms for colonised peoples to discuss their struggles and advocate for autonomy. The organisation is committed to the total eradication of colonialism, pushing for independence and sovereignty for all peoples under foreign rule, with a particular focus on regions in Africa and beyond that continue to suffer from exploitation and suppression.

The latest report on Martinique underscores the urgent need for international attention and action to address the continued consequences of colonialism, as BIG calls for a renewed commitment to human rights, self-determination, and global justice.

By Tamilla Hasanova