Macron swears in angry exchange with residents of cyclone-hit Mayotte

Cyclone Chido devastates Mayotte, sparking anger at Macron over relief delays.

Residents of a cyclone-hit neighbourhood in Mayotte expressed frustration at French President Emmanuel Macron, who retorted that without France’s aid, the region would face worse hardships.

Visiting Mayotte after Cyclone Chido—the worst storm in 90 years—Macron addressed complaints about the lack of potable water, defending France's efforts and denouncing divisive rhetoric. Macron’s remarks sparked backlash from opposition politicians, who criticised them as insensitive.

With confirmed fatalities at 35, authorities fear thousands more may have perished, especially in inaccessible shantytowns.

The French government has scaled up relief efforts, distributing food and water. Macron highlighted France’s investments in Mayotte but pointed to challenges like undocumented migration, which has strained resources.

Concerns over migration have bolstered support for far-right parties, with Marine Le Pen securing 60% of the territory’s vote in 2022.

Macron concluded his visit with a crisis meeting before heading to Djibouti. Cyclone Chido also claimed lives in Mozambique and Malawi, compounding the region's devastation.

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