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Traditional songs and dances greeted French President Emmanuel Macron upon his arrival earlier this week in Mayotte, an Indian Ocean territory. This visit stood in stark contrast to his previous one, where he was met with distraught and agitated residents grappling with the aftermath of a devastating cyclone. The focus of this trip was addressing the impact of Cyclone Chido and outlining plans for reconstruction aid.
Mayotte Grapples with Cyclone Aftermath During Macron Visit
Although daily life is gradually improving, the repercussions of Cyclone Chido, which struck in December, overshadowed Macron’s recent journey to this archipelago near Madagascar, considered the most impoverished region of France. The cyclone, the most severe in a century, resulted in dozens of fatalities, over 2,000 injuries, widespread destruction of homes, and disruptions to power, communications, and water infrastructure.
Promises of Reconstruction Aid and Immigration Crackdown
Following a fraught visit in December, Macron adopted a more cautious approach during his Monday tour of Mayotte. He offered renewed pledges of reconstruction aid to the territory’s 320,000 inhabitants, along with promises to intensify efforts against illegal immigration. French authorities estimate that around 100,000 migrants reside in Mayotte, many living in flimsy shantytowns vulnerable to severe weather events.
Restoration Efforts and Lingering Challenges
Essential services like electricity and telephone connectivity have been reinstated, and the potable water system is operational again. However, intermittent disruptions persist due to chronic production gaps, challenges that plagued Mayotte even before the cyclone.
“Mayotte isn’t down, but it isn’t up yet,” declared Estelle Youssouffa, a representative of Mayotte in the French National Assembly, encapsulating the island’s recovery status.
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Voices from the Ground: Residents Seek Assistance
In the village of Tsingoni, famed for its centuries-old mosque (believed to be the oldest functional one in France), residents continue seeking assistance from their mayor for rebuilding efforts. Numerous homes still require roof repairs or complete reconstruction.
During the president’s visit to Tsingoni, Mayor Issilamou Hamada voiced concerns that residents’ emotions “would overflow.”
Unfulfilled Promises and Daily Struggles
During his interactions with the local population, some residents expressed to Macron that earlier commitments remained unfulfilled.
“We feel alone. I lost everything; my nursing practice was in my house. The roof is gone, I no longer have a computer. I’ve been forced to work on my phone ever since,” stated Siti Madi, who is temporarily working from an alternate location in a nearby village.
- Residents report that banks have yet to disburse promised zero-interest loans intended for reconstruction aid.
- Authorities are issuing warnings about potential health risks due to the incomplete removal of cyclone debris.
- Mayotte is also confronting its initial outbreak of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne illness.
Macron’s Reassurances And Government Initiatives
Macron sought to provide reassurance to the affected communities.
“Is everything settled? No, we are in a stabilization phase. There are legitimate concerns, there are many things that still need to be improved. And we are in the process of addressing them,” he affirmed.
Government Bills and Reconstruction Framework
Following his visit, the government introduced two legislative bills that encompass tax incentives for businesses and the creation of an organization dedicated to reconstruction aid, modeled after the structure established for the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
Economic Impact and Future Aspirations
Acknowledging the estimated reconstruction cost of 3.2 billion euros ($3.6 billion), Macron conceded that these bills “will not be enough to solve all of Mayotte’s problems.”
Mayotte is no stranger to challenges and grand promises originating from Paris.
Ben Issa Ousseni, president of Mayotte’s regional council, expressed his belief that the proposed legislation “does not yet meet the aspirations of the Mahoran people.” He pledged to continue advocating for further assistance, including a long-awaited runway extension at Pamandzi Airport, aimed at fostering tourism and economic growth.
Addressing Inequalities and Immigration
Macron conveyed his readiness to address disparities between Mayotte and mainland France. Minimum wages and pensions in Mayotte are lower, while the cost of living can be comparatively higher due to the territory’s reliance on imported goods and services.
Tackling Illegal Immigration
Macron additionally reiterated support for a strategy to curb illegal immigration into Mayotte, dubbed “Oura wa chaba,” which translates to “Iron Wall” in the Mahorais language. This plan seeks to expedite the prevention of migrant arrivals from the Comoros Islands, Madagascar, and Tanzania, who are often fleeing poverty or conflict in other parts of Africa.
Macron reaffirmed support for a policy restricting foreigners arriving in Mayotte from traveling to other parts of France, citing Mayotte’s “deeply abnormal migration situation.”
Following his visit to Mayotte, the president proceeded to the French territory of Reunion, where he unveiled new tax incentives aimed at stimulating the local economy.