Mayotte Country Report

Mayotte is an overseas French department and region located in the Indian Ocean. It is also geographically part of the Comoros archipelago. Mayotte's relative affluence through its association with Paris, as well as its relative stability compared to the rest of the Comoro archipelago, has prompted large-scale illegal migration from other parts of Comoros, placing the islands' limited infrastructure and other resources under strain. In response, thousands of people are deported every year.

The situation has been compounded underlying grievances over the high cost of living in Mayotte, which relies on expensive imports for most of its essential commodities. High unemployment, especially among its large youth population, has led to social discontent over price increases of fuel and food escalating into violent protests and rioting, as well as rising crime rates. Labor unions have also staged disruptive general strikes demanding parity with working conditions and remuneration in mainland France. Given Mayotte’s limited growth prospects, a continuation of social unrest over economic conditions can be expected in the short-to-medium, which may affect the stability of the islands if no countermeasures are adopted.

Mayotte’s status as a French overseas territory is a source of tension with Comoros, which has historically laid claim to the island, but conflict over the dispute is unlikely. There has been a noticeable rise in crime rates in recent years, driven by deteriorating socio-economic conditions, increased drug use among local youths and the presence of street gangs. However, violent crime remains relatively low, and travelers are more likely to be affected by petty theft such as pick-pocketing and bag-snatching. Mayotte has experienced increasing civil and labor unrest in recent years over perceived high costs of living. These protests have occasionally turned violent and disrupted overland travel and ferry services.

Overland travel in Mayotte can be hazardous due to local road conditions and standards of driving on the islands. Although most major roads on Mayotte are paved, many of these are poorly maintained and heavily potholed. Some secondary roads are unpaved and can be narrow.

The territory's communications infrastructure is adequate and mobile network coverage is good across much of the island. However, Mayotte's electricity infrastructure is aging and the islands suffer from sporadic power outages caused by supply failures.

Mayotte has a tropical climate, with a hot and humid rainy season November-April and a slightly cooler, dry, and sunny season May-October. The islands are susceptible to cyclones during the rainy season and have seen significant damage, particularly in coastal areas, from some of these storms.

Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue are present in Mayotte, and localized outbreaks occur periodically. Medical facilities in the territory are limited and serious cases or injuries may require medical evacuation to a country with more advanced medical care. Due to the relatively small size of the territory and need to import medical supplies, there may be limited availability of some prescription pharmaceuticals. Supplies may be further affected by prolonged unrest or industrial action, potentially limiting the availability of even common over-the-counter medicines.

Politics in Mayotte take place within the framework of an overseas French department. The head of state is the French president, who is represented by a local prefect. The territory has largely avoided the history of coups and executive-level crises that have affected neighboring Comoros, although rising insecurity and societal unrest over the high cost of living and limited growth prospects have proved increasingly challenging for authorities to deal with.

Mayotte follows French laws and the judiciary is seen as being largely free from political interference. Police on the islands are generally effective and work closely with their equivalents in mainland France. Police capabilities have been stretched by increasing levels of criminal activity in Mayotte but periods of prolonged unrest have seen police reinforcements deployed from France.