In brief
In the wake of Cyclone Chido's destruction on the French island of Mayotte, locals are expressing heightened resentment toward undocumented immigrants, particularly those from the Comoros islands. A leading community advocate sees the cyclone as an opportunity to expedite ongoing deportation efforts.
Following the cyclone, which struck on December 14, killing at least 39 people, residents are pushing for a swift response from authorities. According to France’s interior ministry, approximately 30% of Mayotte’s 320,000 population consists of undocumented immigrants. Many local residents blame these immigrants for crime and resource depletion in the island, which is categorized as the poorest region of France, with nearly 80% living in poverty.Advocacy leader Safina Soula welcomed the cyclone’s devastation as a chance to strengthen deportation operations initiated by French authorities. She called for immediate state action to prevent the reconstruction of informal settlements previously occupied by immigrants. Mayotte’s history is complicated, sharing ancestral ties with the nearby Comoros archipelago. However, a crucial referendum in 1974 led Mayotte to remain with France, a decision that has fueled longstanding tensions regarding immigration and resource allocation in the region.
