In Mayotte, Cyclone Chido not only caused extensive damage to the island’s fragile infrastructure but also highlighted underlying tensions between the local residents and the significant migrant population. Many individuals who have entered the island illegally faced the brunt of the storm, as they hesitated to seek refuge in emergency shelters due to fears of deportation. This left them and the shantytowns they reside in even more exposed to the cyclone’s devastation. Some legal residents expressed frustration, accusing the government of prioritizing resources for migrants at their expense.
Fatima, a 46-year-old mother of five, shared her struggles in finding clean water after the storm, emphasizing the strains on the island’s resources. With a population of 320,000, including an estimated 100,000 migrants mainly from the nearby Comoros Islands, Mayotte’s public services meant for a smaller population have been overwhelmed. French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged the challenges posed by rapid population growth and illegal immigration during his recent visit.
The cyclone worsened the island’s problems by destroying homes, schools, and infrastructure, with the official death toll at 35 but likely to rise significantly. Macron mentioned the issue of migrant shantytowns, known as “bangas,” and indicated plans to address them during the stabilization and rebuilding phase. Most migrants have family ties in Mayotte and seek a better life on the island rather than aiming to reach Europe.
The fear of displacement has been heightened among migrants like Nazca Antoiy, who has lived in Mayotte for a decade, especially after hearing about restrictions on rebuilding houses post-cyclone. Mayotte’s geopolitical position as a migration hotspot, unresolved sovereignty disputes with neighboring Comoros, and frequent perilous sea migrations have contributed to the complex situation on the island.
Recent proposals for stricter measures to address migration issues in Mayotte, including the use of drones and naval patrols, have sparked debates and concerns among the local population. As the island grapples with post-cyclone recovery and reconstruction, the challenges posed by illegal immigration and strained resources remain at the forefront of discussions.
“We need to adopt a firmer stance towards the Comoros,” declared Retailleau, pointing fingers at the neighboring government for failing to monitor the departure of migrants from its shores.
Retailleau’s push for “changing the regulations” encompasses plans to limit birthright citizenship in Mayotte, a measure that was already reinforced in 2018, mandating evidence that at least one parent had legal residency for more than three months. Detractors argue that these actions only exacerbate the rifts in Mayotte without tackling the underlying reasons for migration.
A 2023 parliamentary investigation, as mentioned in French media, labeled the island as a “time bomb,” proposing the relocation of a portion of Mayotte’s migrant population to mainland France. However, this initiative is unlikely to garner broad approval.
___Adamson provided coverage from Paris.
