French President Emmanuel Macron visited Cayenne as part of a two-day visit to the French overseas department of Guyane on March 25, 2024. Three people died in a fire that broke out late Monday night in an informal settlement in Cayenne, according to a judicial source. President Macron, who was in Guyane at the time, visited the site on March 26, as confirmed by the Elysée. An investigation has been opened, with the prosecutor of Cayenne stating that initial findings suggest the fire was not of criminal origin. Around twenty homes were destroyed in the fire in the shantytown, and firefighters were still on the scene at midday searching for any additional victims.
The search efforts are complicated by the nature of the homes, which are made of corrugated metal that became particularly sharp and hot in the fire. A man suspected of accidentally starting the fire is in custody, according to the prosecutor. Mayor of Cayenne, Sandra Trochimara, reported that around twenty people had been relocated to a nearby stadium gymnasium for shelter. The fire took place in the Baduel neighborhood, where a similar informal settlement had burned down in 2020 without any casualties.
In Guyane, the thirst for gold continues unabated, leading to ecological disaster. President Macron’s visit to the region highlights the challenges faced by the community, including the vulnerability of informal settlements to fires and the need for better housing solutions. The incident in Cayenne underscores the importance of addressing the housing crisis and improving living conditions for marginalized communities in French overseas territories.
The tragedy in Cayenne serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by those living in informal settlements and the urgent need for sustainable solutions to address housing insecurity. President Macron’s presence at the site of the fire demonstrates the government’s commitment to supporting those affected by the disaster and seeking justice for the victims. The investigation into the cause of the fire will shed light on possible safety violations and highlight the importance of fire prevention measures in vulnerable communities.
As efforts continue to search for additional victims and assess the damage caused by the fire, the community in Guyane is working together to provide support and assistance to those affected. The response to the tragedy reflects the resilience and solidarity of the people in the face of adversity. President Macron’s visit to Cayenne serves as a call to action for addressing the systemic issues of inequality and housing insecurity that continue to impact marginalized communities in French overseas territories.
