Mayotte: Heightened security likely islandwide through early January amid resurgence of gang violence /update 1

Increased security is likely across Mayotte through at least early January amid a resurgence of gang violence. The French Ministry of Interior announced Nov. 28 that additional security forces will be deployed in Mayotte. The mayor of Dembeni implemented a 19:00-04:00 curfew for minors (below 18 years of age) the same day after clashes between rival groups in the municipality. The curfew is in force for at least three weeks and applies to all localities within the municipality. Despite the increased security presence across the island, episodes of unrest and clashes persist. Clashes between rival gangs based in the Kaweni and Majikavo Lamir localities left one teenager dead on Dec. 10, while a group of youth attacked commuters around Tsoundzou, obstructing road traffic for at least two hours before security forces intervened and dispersed the crowd.

Heightened security measures and consequent localized transport disruptions may impact some areas across Mayotte over the coming weeks. Further violence involving rival groups and security forces cannot be ruled out. Protests denouncing the situation are likely in Mayotte over the coming weeks, particularly in areas subject to police activity and outside government buildings, such as the Prefecture of Mayotte building in Mamoudzou.