Mayotte: As of Feb. 13, roadblocks persist islandwide despite government announcements /update 4

As of Feb. 13, activists denouncing rampant insecurity and illegal immigration maintain roadblocks in several areas of Mayotte despite recent government announcements. On Feb. 11, the Interior Minister announced his government would table a constitutional reform no longer granting automatic citizenship to children born on the island to non-French nationals. Officials will also implement other measures to prevent illegal immigration, such as increased means to stop boats from the Comoros from docking in Mayotte, among other measures. The decision comes amid rising reports of gang violence, increased tensions between locals and immigrants from neighboring islands, and the Wambushu security operation ongoing since Spring 2023.

A 19:00-05:00 curfew for minors (below 18 years of age) remains in place in the Dembeni Commune through Feb. 29. In addition, a 22:00-04:00 curfew applies to the Bandrele and the Nyambadao localities based in the Bandrele Municipality through at least Feb. 19. Only those performing essential duties and individuals with a compelling reason are allowed to travel during curfew hours.

Officials will likely maintain an increased security presence across the island due to rising violence and carry out operations against illegal immigration. Localized transport disruptions are likely in areas subject to police activity or where activists maintain roadblocks. Protests in favor or against the reform are likely in Mayotte over the coming weeks, particularly outside government buildings, such as the Prefecture of Mayotte building in Mamoudzou. Such protests have become increasingly frequent. Further violence involving protests and counter-protests, or deadly clashes between rival gangs, as well as Illegal roadblocks and attacks targeting commuters, remain possible.