Cyclone Chido wreaked havoc across Mayotte, exposing not only the island’s fragile infrastructure but also the underlying tensions between its local residents and the large migrant population that has significantly grown over the years.
This destructive cyclone, which hit the Indian Ocean archipelago, left thousands of illegal migrants especially vulnerable. Many, fearing deportation, avoided emergency shelters, which further worsened their precarious situation. The storm’s impact also stoked frustrations among Mayotte’s legal residents, who have been struggling with basic services, like clean water, and are now grappling with the question of how to cope with a growing migrant population in an already overwhelmed territory.
Let’s dive deeper into how Cyclone Chido has amplified these tensions and how it’s shaping the future of Mayotte, especially when it comes to its migration issues.
Mayotte: A French Territory Under Pressure
Located between Madagascar and mainland Africa, Mayotte is one of the poorest French territories. The island, with a population of 320,000, is home to about 100,000 migrants, mainly from the Comoros Islands, located just 70 kilometers away. Migrants flood in, seeking better economic opportunities, but the island’s public services, initially designed for a much smaller population, are struggling to cope.
Mayotte’s geopolitical position makes it a hotspot for migration. Thousands of Comorians risk perilous sea crossings every year in hopes of finding a better life in Mayotte. But with so many undocumented migrants settling on the island, the tensions have been escalating.
As President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged, illegal immigration is one of the main drivers of the island’s issues: “The problems of Mayotte cannot be solved without addressing illegal immigration,” he stated during his visit.
Cyclone Chido: A Devastating Catalyst for Tensions
When Cyclone Chido tore through Mayotte, it caused destruction, leaving homes, schools, and infrastructure in ruins. Though official reports put the death toll at 35, experts suggest that the real number could be much higher, with hundreds or even thousands feared dead. Amid the cyclone’s devastation, the island’s migrant communities were hit hardest, particularly those living in shantytowns, known locally as “bangas.”
These shantytowns have long been a source of tension. For the migrants, many of whom are undocumented, the cyclone exacerbated their fears of displacement. Some migrants, like Nazca Antoiy, a Comorian who has lived in Mayotte for years, expressed concern about the government’s stance on rebuilding: “I heard that people were told not to reconstruct new houses. So we need to worry about that.”
Despite the destruction, migrants feared that efforts to rebuild might be tied to policies targeting illegal immigration. After all, France had launched Operation Wuambushu, a controversial campaign to demolish shantytowns and deport undocumented migrants.
Tensions Between Locals and Migrants: A Growing Divide
While the cyclone wreaked havoc, it also unearthed deeper tensions between local residents and migrants. Many locals are frustrated with the pressure on the island’s services, which are already strained. Fatima, a local mother of five, voiced her concerns about the island’s limited resources. “I can’t take it anymore. Just to have water is complicated,” she lamented, explaining that even basic services have become difficult to access since the cyclone.
Fatima and many others like her feel that the island is already overpopulated and that more migrants only worsen the situation. Legal residents argue that resources, which are already scarce, should not be allocated to undocumented migrants. The storm has exacerbated these sentiments, further polarising the already tense atmosphere.
French Government’s Response: A Controversial Approach
In response to these mounting tensions, French officials, including President Emmanuel Macron, have acknowledged the need to balance humanitarian aid with a stricter approach to migration control.
Macron said, “Despite the state’s investments, migratory pressure has made everything explode.” His government has made investments in infrastructure, but the impact of illegal immigration cannot be ignored. The challenge of balancing humanitarian efforts with migration control remains a point of contention.
As Operation Wuambushu demonstrated, France is serious about addressing the issue of illegal immigration. This operation involved demolishing migrant shantytowns and deporting undocumented people. Critics argue that these measures only deepen Mayotte’s divisions, without addressing the root causes of migration, including poverty, unemployment, and political instability in the Comoros Islands.
Migration and Mayotte’s Future: Is There a Solution?
Given the ongoing challenges, the French government has signalled that addressing illegal immigration is a top priority. Bruno Retailleau, France’s Interior Minister, has described Mayotte as being in a state of “war” when it comes to immigration. He has proposed more extreme measures, such as using drones and naval patrols to block further arrivals of migrants from the Comoros Islands. Retailleau has also suggested changing birthright citizenship laws in Mayotte, further complicating the situation.
While the French government may take tough measures, critics argue that these efforts only serve to deepen the divide between locals and migrants. The focus should be on addressing the root causes of migration, including improving the living conditions in the Comoros Islands, rather than solely relying on enforcement.
Conclusion: Rebuilding Mayotte and Finding a Balanced Approach
In the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, Mayotte finds itself at a crossroads. The devastating storm has exposed the island’s weaknesses, both in terms of infrastructure and social cohesion. As the migrant crisis continues to unfold, the island will need to find a solution that addresses both the humanitarian needs of migrants and the legitimate concerns of local residents.
The French government must strike a balance between aiding those who are in need, while also ensuring that Mayotte’s fragile resources are not further overstretched. As the island rebuilds, it will need to prioritise both human rights and sustainable development. Only then can Mayotte begin to heal, rebuild, and move forward from this crisis.
Photo credit: Al Jazeera
