Mayotte: Roadblocks remain in place April 5 /update 11

Event

Various roadblocks remain in place as of Thursday, April 5, in Mayotte, despite the fact that several were dismantled on April 3 following calls from unions and civil society groups. According to local officials, pedestrians, ambulances and other emergency vehicles, and law enforcement agents are being allowed to pass through most of the roadblocks, with private vehicles still blocked. However, an absolute roadblock remains in place around the Longoni port (north of the island), as trees have been felled to block the road. A complete dismantling of all roadblocks could potentially occur on Friday, April 6.

Context

Highly disruptive protests first broke in Mayotte in late February to denounce the increased influx of Comorian migrants and related security concerns. The population of the French overseas department 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, to be prepared for continued disruptions to transportation and daily life, and to keep abreast of the situation.