Mayotte evacuates 300 refugees to mainland France
French island in Indian Ocean archipelago reports the evacuation of over 300 African migrants to mainland France, amid local residents voicing strong opposition against illegal immigration
In a significant development, Mayotte Prefecture, the French island group in the Indian Ocean has announced the evacuation of more than 300 African migrants from the island, setting a course for mainland France. The group is set to be accommodated in Yvelines in n Northern France at least until mid-March.
The migrants, primarily from the Great Lakes region of Africa, were evacuated amid growing tensions in Mayotte. Local resident collectives have been voicing strong opposition against illegal immigration, calling for immediate action. Mayotte Prefecture, located between Mozambique and Madagascar, confirmed February 26 that those relocated, now granted asylum, were part of a larger group causing unrest. Meanwhile, 14 individuals whose asylum applications were rejected were sent back to their countries February 23. The remaining 308 migrants have found temporary shelter in Thiverval-Grignon, Yvelines, housed in what is state property.
"The refugees will be accommodated in student residences," said Nadine Gohard, the non-partisan mayor of Thiverval-Grignon, referring to the estate that until 2022 hosted the AgroParisTech, a leading higher education institution in the life and environmental sciences.
A significant dismantling operation
The setting up of migrant camps within the Cavani stadium enclosure in Mamoudzou, the coastal capital city of the French overseas region of Mayotte, marked the beginning of blockades and road barriers, partially paralyzing the Mayotte archipelago, which according to some estimates may have mostly Comoran immigrants accounting for half its population of 300,000. Mayotte is the lowest-income region in France with most people below the poverty line.
Announced in mid-January by Gérald Darmanin, Minister of the Interior and Overseas, the dismantling of the camp began in late January in several stages and was significantly ramped up last weekend.
Mayotte Prefecture’s February 25 press release said "state services conducted a significant dismantling operation of the camp located near the Cavani stadium," estimating that 410 migrants were still in the area. As of February 23, trucks had unloaded dumpsters in the parking area adjacent to the camp to dispose of the remains of the camp occupants' shelters.
Nearly 1,000 migrants awaited evacuation
Word of mouth had its effect, with nearly a thousand migrants from across the island eventually gathering near the stadium over the weekend in hopes of being evacuated. "We are the only survivors of our family. I arrived here a year ago and live with my brother" in housing managed by an association, an 18-year-old woman from the Democratic Republic of the Congo told AFP, wishing to remain anonymous. "I already have my refugee status, but I came to the Cavani stadium because it seems they're only taking those who live in the camp," she added.
Every year, numerous African migrants, particularly Comorans, attempt perilous journeys to Mayotte, often aboard "kwassa kwassa" boats operated by smugglers, and which tragically, frequently result in shipwrecks.
Mayotte is situated in the Comoros archipelago, and it is the southernmost of the Comoros islands. Mayotte is geographically part of the Comoros, but politically, it is an integral part of France. Mayotte, the fourth island of the Comoros archipelago, remains under French control since a 1974 referendum, yet is still claimed by Moroni.