In brief
The aftermath of Cyclone Chido, which devastated informal settlements in Mayotte and resulted in significant loss of life, has exacerbated tensions between local residents and undocumented immigrants from the nearby Comoros Islands. Local leaders are advocating for increased deportations, arguing that immigrants are to blame for rising poverty and criminal activity in the region.
The cyclone struck on December 14, leading to the destruction of numerous shantytowns predominantly occupied by undocumented immigrants. Safina Soula, an advocate for Mayotte residents, supported the government's prior actions aimed at demolishing these settlements and deporting the inhabitants. She described the cyclone's impact as an opportunity for the French state to take decisive action against the reconstruction of these informal housing areas.As reports indicate, nearly a third of Mayotte’s population of 320,000 are undocumented immigrants, predominantly from the Comoros archipelago. The death toll from the cyclone stands at 39, amplifying already existing tensions surrounding immigration, crime, and resource allocation on the island. Locals, identified as Mahorais, have long claimed that the influx of immigrants has placed immense strain on their community by contributing to both crime rates and poverty levels, with around 80 percent of residents living in poverty.This situation is further complicated by the shared history and ancestry of the residents of Mayotte and Comoros. In 1974, however, Mayotte chose to remain a French territory, leading to a complicated relationship with its neighbors. As recovery efforts begin, the call for stricter immigration enforcement grows louder among Mayotte's residents, highlighting the ongoing strife over immigration policies in this economically challenged region.
