Mayotte: Government calls on unions to lift general strike March 25 /update 8

Event

On Sunday, March 25, government officials called on unions to end an ongoing strike and to restore public services which have been largely suspended for the past six weeks as part of a public sector strike denouncing insecurity and illegal immigration. According to local sources, some government buildings had reopened on Monday, March 26. Nevertheless, on March 25, certain union leaders rejected the government's call to lift the strike, announcing that roadblocks throughout Mayotte would remain in place. Further protests are possible in the coming days and weeks. A continued increased security presence is to be anticipated throughout the island.

In addition, Ramlati Ali, a member of the ruling LREM (La République En Marche) party, was reelected in the second round of legislative by-election on March 25. The election was called after the Constitutional Council invalidated the June 2017 election of Ramlati Ali over alleged voting irregularities.

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.