Mayotte: General strike could end March 14 /update 4

Event

The coalition of unions behind a general strike launched on February 20 to denounce immigration and security issues has said it would call on members to dismantle roadblocks on Wednesday, March 14, following long and ultimately successful negotiations with the government. If the population agrees to end the strike, the government has promised to launch a month-long initiative to improve social and security conditions, after which more durable solutions should be announced.

Further protests remain possible, however, in the coming days and weeks. A continued increased security presence is to be anticipated throughout the island.

On a related note, a legislative by-election will be held on Sunday, March 18, after the Constitutional Council invalidated the June 2017 election of Ramlati Ali, a member of the ruling LREM (La République En Marche) party. A second round will be held Sunday, March 25, if no candidate secures a majority of the vote.

Context

Numerous highly disruptive protests have broken out in Mayotte since February 20 to denounce the increased influx of Comorian migrants - as well as related security concerns - and to demand the resignation of the prefect. Schools throughout the island have been closed since the beginning of the strike.

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 the increasing insecurity in the department.

Advice

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