Anger Over Delayed Aid Distribution
French President Emmanuel Macron faced an angry reception during his visit to Mayotte on Friday, as residents criticized the government’s response to Cyclone Chido, which devastated the Indian Ocean territory. In the Tsingoni neighborhood, angry locals heckled Macron, blaming authorities for delays in providing potable water nearly a week after the cyclone struck.
“You’re not able to give water to the population after seven days!” one man shouted. Macron responded sharply, stating, “If it wasn’t for France, you’d be in far deeper trouble.” His remarks sparked criticism from opposition lawmakers back in mainland France, with some calling them insensitive and undignified.
Rising Death Toll and Aid Challenges
The worst storm to hit Mayotte in 90 years, cyclone Chido, has officially claimed 35 lives. However, officials are still fearing the toll is going to be much worse since many remote hillside shantytowns remain inaccessible. There, among undocumented migrants, has suffered the worst of this devastation.
Macron extended his visit to assess the situation, promising that authorities were scaling up aid distributions. “I understand your impatience. You can count on me,” he assured the crowd. Meanwhile, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau announced the delivery of 80 tons of food and 50 tons of water to affected areas.
Economic Struggles Deepen Crisis
Mayotte is the poorest overseas territory in France. It has heavily relied on metropolitan France to provide for its people. A total of about 75% of the population live below the national poverty line, and the cyclone has exacerbated resource strain. The French government allocates around €1.6 billion a year for Mayotte, yet it cannot cope with fast-growing populations, partly fuelled by undocumented immigration from Comoros and Madagascar.
Aboubacar Ahamada, for example, lost his home in the cyclone; he emphasized the urgency to restore necessities. “What matters first is water, for the children. Before fixing houses, we need water,” he said.
Political Fallout and Future Challenges
Macron’s visit has shown how the fragile relationship between Mayotte and France has become. Immigration issues and lack of infrastructure have led to increased support for the far-right National Rally party. When Macron left for Djibouti to meet French troops, the humanitarian crisis in Mayotte remained unsolved, underlining the precarious dependence of the island on French aid.
