Mayotte: Tensions easing April 13 /update 12

Event

Tensions are reportedly easing in Mayotte as of Friday, April 13. All roadblocks have been lifted since April 9, including the strategic roadblock preventing access to the Port of Longoni, allowing imported goods to reach the island. A go-slow caravan protest was held on Thursday, April 12 - running from Tsararano (center) to the capital Mamoudzou - but participation rates were low. However, further protests and strikes remain possible in the coming days and weeks if ongoing negotiations with the French government do not prove successful.

Context

Highly disruptive protests had been ongoing in Mayotte since late February to denounce the increased influx of Comorian migrants and related security concerns. The population of the French island is thought to be approximately 43 percent undocumented migrants - a situation which has incited the local population to violence against immigrants, who are often blamed for rising crime rates in the department

Advice

Individuals in Mayotte are advised to keep abreast of the situation and to avoid all demonstrations.