Key Points
- Cyclone Chido leaves Mayotte residents frustrated over delayed aid.
- Macron’s controversial comment angers locals and opposition lawmakers.
- Immigration and poor infrastructure compound the cyclone’s devastating impact.
Following his trip to Mayotte, where Cyclone Chido left massive destruction in its wake, French President Emmanuel Macron was met with criticism. Nearly a week after the hurricane struck, Macron was heckled by irate residents of the impacted Tsingoni area over the lack of drinkable water and other delays in help deliveries.
Cyclone Chido devastates Mayotte, leaving residents desperate for aid
“You can’t provide water to the people after seven days!” yelled one local. In response, Macron said, “Without France, you would be in deeper trouble.” While other locals responded favorably—one woman even offered a blessing—opposition politicians took issue with Macron’s comments.
As stated by Reuters, Macron’s remarks were deemed improper by opposition legislators. “The president isn’t finding the right words of comfort for Mayotte’s residents, who feel treated differently,” stated Sébastien Chenu of the far-right National Rally (RN). Eric Coquerel, a hard-left senator, described Macron’s remarks as “wholly undignified.”
Macron defended his remarks, claiming that fans of RN were inciting unrest. Macron told local reporters, “France is doing a lot, but divisive, rabble-rousing speeches won’t help.”
Death toll rises as aid distribution efforts fall short
Although 35 deaths have been confirmed in Mayotte, authorities worry many more may have died. Undocumented migrants live in hillside shantytowns in many of the worst-hit districts, which are still inaccessible. “I understand your impatience,” Macron said, promising additional aid. You can rely on me.
According to Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, 50 tons of water and 80 tons of food had been delivered. Every day, 600,000 liters of drinkable water are being supplied.
Long-standing issues for Mayotte, a French colony since 1841, including poor infrastructure and unauthorized migration. Support for Marine Le Pen’s RN, which garnered 60% of the territory’s vote in the 2022 presidential runoff, has been bolstered by immigration worries.
The conflict between the needs of the region and the resources allotted by France is highlighted by Macron’s visit.
The greatest hurricane to hit Mayotte in 90 years, Chido, also killed people in Malawi and Mozambique.
