Cyclone Chido’s devastating impact on Mayotte has revealed significant tensions between the island’s natives and its large migrant community.
The cyclone, which struck the impoverished French territory of Mayotte, not only destroyed infrastructure but also heightened pre-existing social tensions. Thousands of migrants, particularly those who entered illegally, faced the storm’s wrath, often avoiding emergency shelters due to fear of deportation.
Residents have expressed frustration over resource allocation, accusing the government of prioritizing migrants over the local population. Amada Salime, a resident affected by the cyclone, voiced concerns, stating, “We are the legitimate population of this island. If there is help from the government—water or something to eat or money to make houses—Mahorais people will not have it. Immigrants are more numerous than us, and we will be left behind.”
Mayotte hosts about 320,000 people, with migrants, chiefly from the Comoros Islands, adding another estimated 100,000, more than straining the island’s services. French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged the problem of illegal immigration, noting that despite significant investments, “migratory pressure has made everything explode.”
The cyclone worsened living conditions, damaging housing, schools, and critical infrastructure. While the death toll stands officially at 35, the numbers are feared to be underestimated. Migrants’ informal settlements, or “bangas,” suffered significantly. Macron stated that while these shantytowns cannot be eliminated immediately, efforts to stabilize and rebuild would address them.
Some migrants, like Nazca Antoiy, worry about displacement, fearing the disaster might be used to accelerate demolitions. France’s prior Operation Wuambushu, aimed at dismantling such shantytowns, underscores these fears.
The island’s geopolitical position, a factor in its migrant influx, fuels ongoing tensions with nearby Comoros, which stakes claim over Mayotte. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau referred to the situation as a “war,” proposing stricter controls to limit entry from Comoros.
Retailleau’s suggestions include tougher entry measures and revising birthright citizenship laws, which critics argue might deepen divides. A parliamentary report described Mayotte as a “ticking time bomb,” hinting at redistributing some migrants to mainland France, a move likely unpopular.
Cyclone Chido has laid bare the complex socio-political challenges facing Mayotte, underscoring the need for balanced solutions that address both humanitarian and security concerns.
Source: News4jax
