Expected on December 29 in Mayotte, François Bayrou will finally go there on the 30th. The Prime Minister's program was adjusted, according to his entourage, in order to respond to the different dimensions of the consequences of the cyclone. François Bayrou will travel to the archipelago to spend the day there on Monday, December 29 to urgent priorities. The return to school will occupy a central place in concerns, in a context where half of the island's population is under 18 years old.
Water and electricity supply, infrastructure heavily affected by the cyclonewill also be at the heart of the discussions. The reconstruction of disaster areas is identified as a major issue and details will be provided concerning the special law promised by Emmanuel Macron during his previous trip.
Tuesday, December 31 in the morning, François Bayrou will then travel to Reunion. This trip will aim to address the logistical aspects of crisis management, in particular evacuations, food deliveries and the organization of the airlift. The Prime Minister will return to Paris in the very early hours of 2025.
Flight of officials
Since the passage of the cyclone, many civil servants stationed in Mayotte, teachers, doctors, gendarmes and police officers, have considered leaving the island. Some of them lost all their belongings. Such a situation, if it were to occur on a large scale, could worsen the crisis.
To respond to this risk, François Bayrou requested an inventory of all the needs of professionals present on the archipelago. A circular highlights measures aimed at supporting these professionals: accommodation, catering and psychological assistance. The government thus hopes to limit departures and maintain the stability necessary for the recovery of the archipelago.
An anger that rumbles among the inhabitants
While awaiting the arrival of François Bayrou,The Mahorais expressed their discontent through demonstrations. Humanitarian aid, considered insufficient, did not respond to the urgent needs of the population. Water and food, when distributed, were rationed. Nearly half of the island remained without electricity for several days, and the streets continued to be invaded by piles of waste, remnants of the destruction caused by the cyclone.
The feeling of abandonment is palpable among the residents. A Mahorais interviewed on RTL's microphone expressed his frustration: “You can ask any Mahorais today, they will tell you: 'But where is the aid?'. It seems that aid has arrived, but in actually, no one saw them.” The resident also highlighted the slowness of relief compared to what is usually done in mainland France : “A small storm in Calvados, and it was resolved in 96 hours maximum. Today, it's been two weeks, and there are still people without electricity, without water.”
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