Macron Faces Anger in Mayotte Amid Cyclone Chido’s Aftermath

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Macron Faces Anger in Mayotte Amid Cyclone Chido’s Aftermath \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ French President Emmanuel Macron faced boos and frustration in Mayotte during his visit to assess damage from Cyclone Chido, the strongest storm to hit the French territory in nearly a century. Residents criticized the slow pace of aid and alleged government neglect of the island’s severe needs. Macron announced initiatives to address housing, water access, and illegal immigration but pushed back against criticism, emphasizing France’s extensive support.

Cyclone Chido and Macron’s Mayotte Visit: Quick Looks

Cyclone Impact: Cyclone Chido caused widespread destruction, leaving at least 35 dead and many more unaccounted for.
Public Reaction: Residents expressed anger over the government’s slow response and longstanding neglect.
Macron’s Response: Announced rebuilding plans and emphasized the need to combat illegal immigration.
Humanitarian Crisis: Lack of clean water, destroyed homes, and unconfirmed death tolls add to the chaos.
Historical Context: Mayotte remains France’s poorest department, grappling with migration pressures and infrastructure deficits.

Deep Look

French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Mayotte this week was met with a mix of gratitude and frustration as the Indian Ocean archipelago grapples with the devastating aftermath of Cyclone Chido. The cyclone, the most powerful storm to hit the French territory in nearly a century, has caused catastrophic damage, leaving neighborhoods in ruins and cutting off basic services like clean water and communications.

Cyclone Chido’s Destruction

Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte on Saturday, devastating the island with powerful winds and torrential rain. Entire neighborhoods were destroyed, and early warnings went unheeded by many residents who underestimated the storm’s severity.

Authorities have reported 35 confirmed deaths as of Friday, but the toll is expected to rise significantly, with hundreds or even thousands feared dead. Many victims are thought to be undocumented migrants living in precarious housing in the hills, where homes were unable to withstand the cyclone’s force.

The Interior Ministry reported that 70% of Mayotte’s population has been “seriously affected,” with thousands injured and displaced.

Macron’s Visit and Tensions

During his visit to the island, Macron toured heavily impacted areas, including Tsingoni, where residents have been without drinking water or phone service for nearly a week. Crowds gathered, some expressing their anger by shouting, “We want water,” while others welcomed him with selfies and gestures of goodwill.

On Thursday evening, tensions escalated in Pamandzi, where Macron faced boos and pointed criticism over the government’s slow response. In a heated exchange with residents, Macron grabbed a microphone and defended France’s efforts, saying:

“I have nothing to do with the cyclone; you can blame me, but it wasn’t me!”

Macron acknowledged the hardship but pushed back against accusations of neglect, stating:

“If it wasn’t France, you’d be 10,000 times more screwed!”

His comments drew mixed reactions, reflecting the deep frustration and despair felt by many residents.

A Mounting Humanitarian Crisis

The destruction has left much of Mayotte without clean water or basic sanitation, raising fears of disease outbreaks. Earlier this year, the island faced a cholera outbreak with over 200 cases, and residents worry the current conditions could lead to similar health crises.

French military and local authorities are working to repair damaged water infrastructure, but the process has been slow. In Mirereni, a village about 35 kilometers from the capital, a broken water pipe serving 10,000 people remains unrepaired due to logistical challenges and extreme heat.

Hospitals and health services are also struggling. Approximately 17% of hospital staff and 40% of regional health staff are still unaccounted for, according to French Health Minister Geneviève Darrieussecq.

Frustrations Over Death Toll Reporting

Residents and local officials have expressed skepticism over the official death toll, which has risen slowly despite clear evidence of widespread devastation. A local worker involved in relief efforts said many deaths, particularly among undocumented migrants, have not been recorded in official tallies.

“The number of deaths does not reflect the reality of the 100,000 people living in precarious housing,” the Interior Ministry stated, announcing a district-by-district census to better account for the missing and dead.

Macron’s Announcements

To address the immediate and long-term challenges facing Mayotte, Macron announced several initiatives:

Rebuilding and Infrastructure: Macron proposed a special law to accelerate rebuilding efforts, focusing on replacing tin shacks with sturdier homes and rebuilding essential infrastructure.
Combating Illegal Immigration: Citing migration pressures as a root cause of Mayotte’s strained resources, Macron outlined measures to reduce illegal immigration. He emphasized the impact of migration on schools, hospitals, and public services.
Water and Sanitation: Efforts are underway to repair critical infrastructure and provide emergency water supplies to affected communities.

Historical Context and Migration Challenges

Mayotte, a French department since 2011, has long struggled with poverty, underinvestment, and migration issues. Its residents voted to remain part of France in a 1974 referendum, while neighboring islands formed the independent nation of Comoros. Over the decades, Mayotte has attracted significant migration from Comoros, with an estimated 100,000 undocumented migrants among its population of 320,000.

Macron highlighted the strain this migration has placed on public services, stating:

“We won’t be able to solve Mayotte’s fundamental problems unless we solve the problem of illegal immigration.”

Conclusion

Macron’s visit to Mayotte highlighted the island’s desperate need for support and the mounting challenges posed by Cyclone Chido’s devastation. While the president announced plans to rebuild and address long-standing issues, his confrontational exchanges with residents underscored the deep frustration many feel over perceived government neglect. As relief efforts continue, the people of Mayotte are left to grapple with an uncertain future in the wake of one of their most devastating storms.