 | This article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject.(March 2025) |
In early 2024, a political and economic crisis emerged in the French overseas department of Mayotte.
| This article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject.(March 2025) |
In early 2024, a political and economic crisis emerged in the French overseas department of Mayotte.
Mayotte is the poorest overseas department in France, although it remains more economically developed than neighbouring Madagascar and the Comoros. The local economy relies heavily on the labour of economic migrants, many of whom are undocumented. [1] [2]
In 2018, civil unrest was triggered by protests against the economic crisis and the presence of undocumented immigrants from the Comoros Islands. The protests involved roadblocks, a general strike, and demonstrations, with residents expressing concerns over pressure on healthcare, housing, and education services due to the growing migrant population. [3]
In 2021, 54 Members of Parliament warned of an "impending social chaos" resulting from severe poverty and irregular immigration. [4] In early 2023, the French government initiated efforts to demolish approximately 1,000 bangas—makeshift homes located in slums that housed around 40% of the island's population. [1]
By December 2023, emergency services announced they would no longer operate at night due to safety concerns. [5] Protests were also held over water shortages caused by ongoing drought conditions. [6] These issues were further exacerbated by long-standing underinvestment in infrastructure and public services in Mayotte. [7]
In response to the deteriorating situation, the French government launched Operation Wuambushu to address illegal immigration and improve security in the Indian Ocean region. [8] [9]
In January 2024, the President of the National Assembly, Yaël Braun-Pivet, visited Mayotte. [10] Around the same time, police operations were carried out, prompting a fortnight of protests. [11] [12] Road blockades disrupted economic activity and led to food shortages. [13] Incidents of violence were reported, and curfews were imposed in response to the unrest. [14]
The Minister of the Interior and Overseas, Gérald Darmanin, also visited the island and announced plans to restrict the automatic right to French citizenship by birth in Mayotte. The proposed measure received widespread support from the local population, who viewed it as a means to curb irregular immigration. [15]
In April 2024, Marine Le Pen visited Mayotte. [16]
On 16 April 2024, Overseas Minister Marie Guévenoux announced the launch of Operation Wuambushu 2, aimed at combating substandard housing, irregular migration, and organised crime. The operation targeted the arrest of 60 alleged gang leaders and the demolition of 1,300 bangas—twice the number removed during the previous year's campaign. [17]
In the 2024 French legislative election, the National Rally made significant gains in Mayotte, with Anchya Bamana winning the 2nd constituency. [18]
In December 2024, the island was hit by Cyclone Chido. [19] Médecins Sans Frontières said the situation was "very chaotic". [20]