Mayotte: General strike continues March 20 /update 7

Event

The general strike in Mayotte, which has been ongoing for a month, continues as of Tuesday, March 20. Negotiations between protesters and the government broke down last week and it is unclear when talks will resume to end the current crisis, which has virtually paralyzed the French overseas department. Reports indicate that residents have been rounding up suspected illegal migrants and taking them to the police; around 100 foreigners have reportedly been targeted as of Tuesday. France’s Minister of Overseas France, Annick Girardin, condemned these actions, and urged the population to let the police do their jobs.

Schools remain closed and the situation has reportedly become critical at hospitals in Mamoudzou, with the roadblocks creating difficulties for ambulances to transport the sick and injured. Further protests and associated roadblocks are to be anticipated throughout the duration of the strike. A heightened security presence is to be anticipated nationwide as the 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.