Mayotte: General strike continues as of March 28 /update 9

Event

The general strike in Mayotte, which has been ongoing for six weeks, continues as of Wednesday, March 28. Roadblocks have reportedly been re-erected after having been temporarily lifted for the legislative by-election on Sunday, March 25. According to local sources, increased security measures, including additional mobile gendarme patrols, have been deployed throughout Mayotte.

Schools remain closed and the situation has reportedly become critical at hospitals in Mamoudzou, with the roadblocks creating difficulties in resupplying medical necessities and transporting the sick and injured. According to local sources, the French Ministry of Solidarity and Health plans to dispatch additional medical teams to Mayotte to provide support.

Further protests, associated roadblocks, and heightened security measures are to be anticipated in the coming days and weeks across the island as the indefinite strike continues.

Context

Highly disruptive protests broke out across the country on February 20 to denounce the increased influx of Comorian migrants and related security concerns. The department's population 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 avoid all demonstrations, be prepared for continued disruptions to transportation and daily life, and keep abreast of the situation.