In Mayotte, the respite from the crisis shaking the island was very short-lived. After 26 days of blockage, the Forces vives collective announced a lifting of the blockades which had been preventing the free movement of residents for three weeks. After a few hours of partial opening of the dams, there was a twist: the demonstrators changed their minds and closed all the dams on the island.
2 mins
With our correspondent in Mamoudzou, Lola Fourmy
“ We do not understand anything anymore ! “. This is what some residents sigh in the face of the numerous reversals of the situation. For three weeks, citizen groups have been erecting roadblocks to protest against irregular immigration and insecurity in the poorest department in France. If a lifting of the blockades which paralyze Mayotte had been recorded on February 16 for a week, this was abandoned the next day.
Read alsoHow Mayotte became an exceptional territory in France for foreigners’ rights
Since then, the blockades have even announced that they will resume blockades. At issue: the sentencing of two of them to four years in prison for having organized the attack on a police station. Some Mahorais were therefore stranded by surprise on the island of Petite-Terre, with access to the barge being prevented. One of these boats which connects the island to that of Grande-Terre only left because it had an ambulance on board with an urgent situation.
Organizers call for state of emergency
On the ground, tension is growing. Some still support the movement, while others question it. “ Are they looking for hatred or what? », slips a Mahorais tired of the situation. Then there are those who wonder if the leaders of the movement still control those called the base. “ It is difficult to return to normal life quickly», Says a spokesperson for the movement. A vague response for the future of the territory, but an unchanged demand: the immediate establishment of a state of emergency, with the fight against insecurity in mind.
Read alsoAnnounced end of land rights in Mayotte: voices are raised in Moroni