Following a devastating cyclone that struck the French island territory of Mayotte, Safina Soula, leader of an advocacy group for undocumented immigrants, expressed support for the French government's ongoing operation to dismantle slums and deport undocumented immigrants, primarily from the nearby Comoros islands. She referred to the cyclone as a “divine Wuambushu,” urging the state to prevent the reconstruction of these settlements.
Cyclone Chido, which hit on December 14, resulted in at least 39 fatalities and heightened existing tensions surrounding immigration in Mayotte, where nearly one-third of the 320,000 residents are undocumented immigrants. Local residents have long associated these immigrants with crime and resource strain, as Mayotte is the poorest region in France, with approximately 80 percent of its population living in poverty.
Despite a shared ancestry between the people of Mayotte and Comoros, a 1974 referendum led to Mayotte remaining a French territory, while the rest of the Comoros sought independence. In recent years, there have been instances of violence against immigrants, and local support for far-right politicians advocating for stricter immigration laws has increased.
In the aftermath of the cyclone, France's interior minister emphasized the need for a more aggressive approach to illegal immigration, proposing the use of drones to monitor migrant boats from Comoros. The French government announced the restoration of boat services between Mayotte and Comoros, allowing Comorians to return home at no cost.
Prime Minister François Bayrou indicated that the death toll from the cyclone is expected to remain in the dozens, although earlier estimates suggested a higher number of casualties. Immigrants in Mayotte have reported living in precarious conditions, often facing police harassment and repeated deportations, leading to dangerous journeys back to the island.
Concerns about potential conflicts over resources between migrants and locals have been raised, particularly following the cyclone's destruction of communities. A doctor from mainland France recounted a tense situation where locals feared confrontations with immigrants armed with machetes.
Since the 1974 referendum, Mayotte has benefited economically from French support, leading to resentment among some Mahorais towards Comorians seeking opportunities in the territory. Local officials have called for Comorians to take responsibility for their choice of independence.
During a recent visit to Mayotte, President Emmanuel Macron faced backlash for his remarks defending the government's support, asserting that life would be significantly worse without French assistance.
Criticism has also been directed at France's treatment of migrants in Mayotte, where immigration policies are notably stricter than in mainland France. UNICEF highlighted the detention of children with their families, despite international condemnation, and noted that undocumented children often face barriers to education.
While many Mahorais advocate for stricter immigration laws, undocumented migrants describe a climate of fear and aggressive policing, which can lead to accidental deportations. One woman, recently deported from Mayotte, expressed her anguish over leaving her children behind during the cyclone, but managed to reunite with them after a perilous journey back to the island.
“They’re always sending me back to Comoros like it’s a game,” she lamented, fearing for her life during the treacherous crossings.