During a visit to Mayotte in the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, French President Emmanuel Macron faced sharp criticism after an outburst directed at local residents. The cyclone, which struck the island on December 14, 2024, left widespread destruction, with 39 confirmed deaths, over 4,000 injuries, and tens of thousands displaced. As residents voiced their frustrations about delayed aid and lack of essential resources, Macron lost his temper, retorting, “You are happy to be in France. If it wasn’t for France, you would be in way deeper s***, 10,000 times more. There is no place in the Indian Ocean where people receive more help.” Since then, his comments have drawn widespread criticism both locally and internationally.
Residents expressed their desperation as Macron toured the devastated island. Assane Haloi, an airport security agent, confronted him directly upon his arrival: “We are without water, without electricity, there is nowhere to go because everything is demolished.” This plea reflected the widespread anguish of a community reeling from the cyclone’s impact and grappling with the slow pace of relief efforts.
Sébastien Chenu, a lawmaker from the far-right National Rally (RN), criticized Macron’s handling of the situation: “I don’t think the president is exactly finding the right words of comfort for our Mahoran compatriots, who, with this kind of expression, always have the feeling of being treated differently.” Chenu’s remarks reflect a broader sentiment that Macron’s comments alienated residents already struggling to recover from the cyclone’s devastation. Some have defended his directness, but others warn that it alienates the very people he was there to support.
While his directness is often seen as a strength, in this instance, it came across as out of touch and tone-deaf. Mayotte, one of France’s poorest regions, has long felt neglected by the central government. The cyclone has exacerbated these frustrations, and Macron’s defensive comments have deepened the alienation. Critics argue that leaders in such situations must prioritize empathy and solidarity, especially when addressing vulnerable communities.
Mayotte, a French overseas department since 2011, has faced significant socioeconomic challenges, including high unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, and tension between its local population and a large migrant community from the Comoros Islands. The devastation caused by Cyclone Chido, the most devastating storm to hit the island in 90 years, has brought these long-standing issues to the forefront, with delayed aid exacerbating the crisis. Dr. Fahad Idaroussi Tsimanda, a natural risk specialist, underscored these concerns, saying, “This catastrophe shows the deep vulnerability of our territory. The state has not provided the necessary resources to prepare for such a disaster … And as the cyclone approached, no one went to the shanty towns to warn the population.” Residents have echoed his frustration, calling for more significant investment in disaster preparedness and infrastructure—pleas that, they argue, have often gone unanswered.
While the storm could not be stopped, the government’s neglect of disaster preparedness has left residents feeling abandoned. France must commit to proactive measures, such as cyclone-resistant infrastructure and robust early warning systems, to restore trust. Without these actions, promises of support will ring hollow, and the perception of neglect will persist, leaving the island vulnerable to future crises. Macron has announced plans to “rebuild” Mayotte and promised significant government support. However, his outburst has overshadowed these commitments, leaving many residents skeptical of the government’s dedication to addressing their plight. In the coming months, Macron’s actions will determine whether this tragedy serves as a wake-up call or becomes another instance of systematic indifference
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