In the wake of Cyclone Chido, which devastated the French territory of Mayotte, President Emmanuel Macron’s visit was met with frustration from local residents.
During a recent visit to Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, President Emmanuel Macron confronted a challenging situation. The territory had just been ravaged by Cyclone Chido, a ferocious Category 4 storm that struck with winds exceeding 220 kilometers per hour. This devastation, characterized by some as comparable to an ‘atomic bomb,’ left the island grappling with severe destruction, especially in informal settlements populated by undocumented migrants.
Macron’s handling of the situation has drawn criticism. Many residents, left without essential services such as water and electricity, expressed their discontent. One man openly questioned the lack of basic services six days post-cyclone, while a distressed woman implored Macron for assistance, highlighting the dire state of the island’s infrastructure and the needs of its young population.
Opposition politicians have also criticized Macron, suggesting that France has failed to adequately support and prepare Mayotte for such natural disasters, exacerbated by climate change. The cyclone not only affected Mayotte but had initially impacted northern Madagascar, highlighting the storm’s power and reach.
The issue of illegal immigration was brought into focus by right-wing politicians, who argue that it has exacerbated poverty in Mayotte, leaving many inhabitants in vulnerable shanty towns. Approximately 100,000 undocumented migrants reside in these areas, according to the French interior ministry, exacerbating the challenges faced during natural disasters.
Mayotte, which lies about 5,000 miles from Paris, is the poorest region in the European Union. With an unemployment crisis and a poverty rate five times higher than that of mainland France, the archipelago seems ill-prepared to handle catastrophes of this magnitude. Recent migration from neighboring Comoros and Madagascar has increased the strain on resources as people seek better opportunities.
Local authorities continue relief efforts, with supplies arriving mainly from France’s nearby territory, Reunion Island. While 31 deaths have been confirmed, a comprehensive tally of casualties and injuries is underway, raising concerns about potentially higher fatality numbers. In response to this calamity, Macron has announced additional support measures and declared a national day of mourning.
As Mayotte deals with the catastrophic aftermath, Macron’s comments—suggesting that Mayotte should feel fortunate to be part of France—have met with mixed reactions. His remarks have done little to assuage the anger and desperation felt by the islanders, many of whom consider the French government’s response inadequate.
The crisis in Mayotte, heightened by Cyclone Chido, underscores the need for improved disaster preparedness and support for vulnerable regions. Macron’s visit highlights the challenges in addressing these issues, particularly in marginalized areas like Mayotte.
