French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has recently implemented strict measures concerning illegal immigration in Mayotte, a French island in the Indian Ocean. This overseas territory, often forgotten, is currently grappling with severe social unrest caused by an unprecedented migration crisis.
In response to this situation, Retailleau has ordered an increase in repatriation flights to Africa, specifically targeting migrants in an irregular situation from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Mayotte, France's poorest department, faces a constant influx of migrants, primarily from the Comoros and the African mainland. The poverty and corruption plaguing these regions drive thousands of people each year to risk their lives to reach Mayotte aboard small boats called "kwassa kwassa".
According to current estimates, nearly half of the island's population, which stands at approximately 320,000 inhabitants, is believed to be composed of migrants. This relentless migratory flow has exacerbated local tensions, leading to protests, rising crime, and worsening poverty.
Retailleau's Plan: Restoring Order in Mayotte
Faced with this critical situation, Retailleau announced that starting in October, group flights would be organized to send illegal migrants back to the DRC. According to his statements in Parliament, four flights have already taken place since February, and at least three more are planned to empty detention centers in Mayotte. Retailleau, a firm politician, clearly expressed that his priority was to restore order on this French island and control what he calls an "uncontrollable situation".
It is important to emphasize that cooperation with Congolese authorities is proceeding well. This partnership has facilitated expulsion procedures, which is an urgent necessity for the French government to contain the crisis.
Also Read | Five Reasons Not to Distance Your Guardian Angel from Your Life
Beyond expulsions to the DRC, Retailleau also revealed that France had signed bilateral agreements with countries in the Great Lakes region, such as Burundi and Rwanda. These agreements aim to stop the influx of migrants before they even reach the shores of Mayotte. This comprehensive approach demonstrates France's determination to solve this problem upstream, rather than simply managing its consequences on the ground.
Retailleau's arrival at the Ministry of the Interior marks a turning point in French policy towards immigration. Representing a hardline conservative right, Retailleau has made it clear that he does not share the idea that immigration represents an opportunity for France. On the contrary, he considers it a burden that the State must absolutely control.
"My only obsession is to be useful to France," he confided in an interview with Le Figaro. This phrase perfectly summarizes the minister's state of mind: to protect the country's interests and restore order in its territories, including Mayotte.