French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent visit to Mayotte, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, was marked by tensions and frustration from local residents. The French territory, which suffered from the devastating impact of Cyclone Chido, is facing widespread destruction and a significant loss of life.
The cyclone, the strongest to hit Mayotte in nearly a century, left neighborhoods in ruins, with some areas still without basic services like drinking water and phone connectivity a week after the storm. Macron’s arrival, aimed at showing solidarity, was met with mixed reactions, as some people expressed their anger toward the French government’s response to the disaster.
Many Mayotte residents, particularly in the island’s poorer communities, have long felt neglected by the French government, which is based 8,000 kilometers away in Paris. This sense of abandonment has been exacerbated by what locals perceive as inadequate government investment in the region’s infrastructure and services.
The slow response to Cyclone Chido has amplified these frustrations, with residents voicing their dissatisfaction at Macron’s visit. While some welcomed the president, others expressed their displeasure by shouting demands for water and support, particularly in neighborhoods like Tsingoni and Pamandzi, which were among the hardest hit by the storm.
The official death toll from Cyclone Chido currently stands at 35, though local authorities and residents believe this number is an undercount. Most of the victims are believed to be migrants, many of whom live in precarious housing in the island’s hills. A local official revealed that many of the deaths had not yet been included in the official records due to the challenges of accessing affected areas.
Macron’s Visit to Cyclone-Hit Mayotte Sparks Tensions Over Slow Response and Unmet Local Needs
The slow pace of updates on the toll has led to disbelief among the local population, who fear that many more lives were lost in the aftermath of the storm. Additionally, the difficulty in communicating with affected areas has hindered efforts to accurately assess the full scope of the devastation.
Macron’s visit was marked by heated exchanges, particularly when he defended France’s efforts to aid Mayotte. In a tense moment, Macron reacted angrily to the criticism, arguing that France’s assistance was far more substantial than what other regions would receive. He told the crowd that they were “10,000 times more screwed” without France and asserted that Mayotte was receiving more help than anywhere else in the Indian Ocean.
Despite these statements, local frustration remained high, with many questioning the effectiveness and speed of the aid being provided. The president’s comments, particularly about the challenges of dealing with immigration, also sparked further debate among the residents.
Amid the immediate aftermath of the storm, the French government has mobilized efforts to address the region’s urgent needs. The military and local authorities have been working to restore vital infrastructure, including water pipes and health services, but the scale of the damage has made repairs difficult.
The region is also grappling with the threat of disease, particularly with the risk of cholera outbreaks due to the lack of clean water. In response, Macron announced a special law aimed at accelerating Mayotte’s reconstruction, which includes plans to improve housing conditions and eliminate slums. Furthermore, the president has emphasized that tackling illegal immigration, which has placed significant pressure on local resources, is crucial for addressing Mayotte’s long-term challenges.
