Virtual Museum of COLONIALISM

The “Pou Lagwiyann Dékolé” movement (“Let Guiana Take Off”) was a large-scale popular uprising that emerged in March–April 2017 in French Guiana, in response to deep-rooted social, economic, security, colonial, and cultural grievances affecting the region.

This movement brought together a broad coalition of more than 30 organizations, including trade unions, youth associations, and civil society activists. At the same time, the group known as “Les 500 Frères Contre la Délinquance” (“The 500 Brothers Against Crime”) played a highly symbolic role. Wearing black masks, they publicly protested against rising crime and state inaction, becoming a powerful visual symbol of the movement.

From late March onward, protests spread across the entire territory of French Guiana. Roads, ports, and airports were blocked, and a general strike was declared. Schools, public administrations, and businesses were shut down, effectively bringing the region to a standstill both economically and administratively. Thousands of people participated in demonstrations and marches.

After prolonged negotiations, the French government pledged an aid and development plan worth €1.08 billion, intended to improve hospitals, schools, security systems, and infrastructure.

The outcomes of the movement were mixed. While some concrete projects were implemented, significant shortcomings remain in the full execution of the government’s commitments. Nevertheless, from a symbolic and political perspective, the “Pou Lagwiyann Dékolé” movement fostered a strong sense of collective awareness, unity, and empowerment within Guianese society.

The movement represented a moment of awakening, during which the people of French Guiana asserted their cultural identity, dignity, and right to have a meaningful voice in governance.