FRANCE | A Colonial Crisis?

Summary

This video explores the ongoing crisis in Mayotte, a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean, and its colonial history. The video discusses the complex relationship between Mayotte and the nearby Comoros Islands, focusing on France's controversial retention of Mayotte despite international calls for Comoros' sovereignty. It also examines the recent French crackdown on illegal immigration in Mayotte, which has sparked violence, raised tensions with Comoros, and reignited debates over colonialism and self-determination. The video highlights the broader implications of colonial legacies and ongoing territorial disputes.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The French government initiated a harsh crackdown on immigrants in Mayotte in April 2023, sparking controversy and protests.
• 🇫🇷 The events have caused significant outcry in France, with many condemning the crackdown as a violation of human rights.
• 🤔 Mayotte's controversial status stems from its unique history as a French overseas department, despite its geographical location near the Comoros.
• ⏳ The territory's colonial past is key to understanding its current issues, especially the complex legacy of decolonization.
• 🗳️ Mayotte voted to remain a part of France during the 1970s, while other Comoros islands opted for independence, creating lasting tensions.
• 💰 Despite being the poorest region in France, Mayotte is wealthier than the Comoros, leading to significant immigration from the neighboring islands.
• 🚤 The dangerous journey from the Comoros to Mayotte has led to a growing population of undocumented migrants living in poverty on the island.
• 🔫 Recent French actions to detain and deport undocumented immigrants led to violent clashes, highlighting the deep divisions on the island.
• 🇺🇳 The international community, including the UN and African Union, has condemned France's retention of Mayotte, stressing the need for respecting Comoros' sovereignty.
• 🤝 Tensions between France and the Comoros remain, although recent discussions between leaders suggest attempts to ease the situation.

Q & A

What triggered the recent crackdown on immigrants in Mayotte in April 2023?

The crackdown was a response to increasing migration from the Comoros to Mayotte, leading to high crime rates, poverty, and social tensions. France launched 'Operation Wuambushu' to round up and deport illegal immigrants.

Why is Mayotte's political status considered controversial?

Mayotte's political status is controversial because while its population chose to remain part of France during the decolonization process, the United Nations and African Union have long contested its separation from the Comoros, viewing it as a violation of territorial integrity.

What is the significance of Mayotte within the French Republic?

Mayotte is one of France's five overseas departments and is fully integrated into the country. It became France’s 101st department in 2011 and is also part of the European Union as an outermost region, despite its location far from mainland Europe.

What economic disparity exists between Mayotte and the Comoros?

Mayotte, despite being the poorest region of France, has a significantly higher per capita GDP of around US$10,600 compared to the Comoros, which has a per capita GDP of only US$1,600. This economic disparity drives migration from the Comoros to Mayotte.

How did Mayotte vote in the 1974 independence referendum, and what were the consequences?

In the 1974 referendum, while the three other Comoros islands voted for independence, Mayotte voted to remain a part of France. This led to its continued status as a French territory, despite opposition from the Comoros, the African Union, and the United Nations.

What challenges has Mayotte faced due to immigration from the Comoros?

Mayotte has seen a significant influx of migrants from the Comoros, leading to overpopulation, the growth of shantytowns, high unemployment, and rising crime rates, all of which have contributed to social tensions on the island.

How has France responded to the growing migrant population in Mayotte?

France has implemented measures like increased patrols, interceptions of migrant boats, and Operation Wuambushu, which involves deporting illegal migrants. In 2019, France also gave the Comoros 150 million euros in development aid to help curb migration.

What historical events led to Mayotte’s unique position within France?

Mayotte became a French colony in 1843 and remained under French control even after the Comoros sought independence. In several referendums, the people of Mayotte voted to remain part of France, eventually becoming a full department in 2011.

What role does Mayotte's integration into the European Union play in the current crisis?

As an outermost region of the European Union, Mayotte's integration into the EU makes it more attractive for migrants seeking better living conditions. However, its status also imposes stricter immigration rules, exacerbating the challenges caused by illegal immigration.

How has the international community, especially the UN and African Union, responded to France's control over Mayotte?

The UN and the African Union have consistently condemned France’s retention of Mayotte, calling for respect for Comoros' territorial integrity. Despite these calls, France argues that it respects the self-determination of the island's inhabitants, who have repeatedly chosen to remain part of France.

Outlines

00:00

🇫🇷 Mayotte Crisis and Its Roots

In April 2023, France initiated a harsh crackdown on immigrants in Mayotte, sparking outcry over human rights violations and re-igniting debates about the territory's status. This introduction sets the stage for a detailed look into the ongoing effects of colonialism, focusing on Mayotte's contested history. The video aims to explore why this issue remains controversial and how France's colonial legacy continues to impact the region.

05:01

📜 Colonial History and the Partition of Territories

The paragraph dives into the broader impact of European imperialism, particularly in cases where decolonization led to partition. It compares different outcomes of colonial partitions, like India-Pakistan and British military holds in Cyprus and Mauritius, ultimately leading to Mayotte. The territory's deep historical ties to France and the local population's desire to remain connected to the former colonial power are emphasized.

10:02

🌍 Mayotte’s Geography and Demographics

Mayotte is a small island in the Indian Ocean, geographically close to Comoros, Madagascar, and Mozambique. With a population of around 270,000, Mayotte has a culturally diverse mix of African, Arab, Asian, and European settlers, primarily practicing Sunni Islam. The island’s history is shaped by a complex interplay of influences, including Arab and Persian explorers, Malay settlers, and eventually, French colonial control in the 19th century.

🇫🇷 France’s Colonization of Mayotte

The narrative turns to the moment when Mayotte became a French colony in 1841 after a local sultan ceded the island. The entire Comoros archipelago later fell under French control by the late 19th century. Mayotte's colonial journey continued through its incorporation into the colony of Madagascar and Dependencies, until 1946 when it regained separate status as a French overseas territory.

📜 Calls for Independence and Mayotte’s Decision

The 1950s saw growing calls for decolonization in the Comoros, but Mayotte stood apart, seeking to remain tied to France. In 1974, an independence referendum resulted in the northern Comoros islands opting for statehood, while Mayotte voted to stay with France. This section discusses how the United Nations and African Union repeatedly condemned France's retention of Mayotte despite international law emphasizing the unity of colonial territories.

🗳️ Mayotte’s Integration with France

Despite international pressure, France upheld Mayotte’s choice to remain part of the country. Over the years, the island has become deeply integrated into the French state. By 2011, Mayotte was officially recognized as France's 101st department and, by 2014, became one of the EU’s outermost regions. The section highlights the economic disparity between Mayotte and Comoros, which fueled illegal immigration from Comoros to Mayotte.

🚨 The Migration Crisis in Mayotte

Mayotte has seen a significant influx of migrants from Comoros, leading to growing social and economic pressures. Migrants risk dangerous boat journeys to reach the island, and many face poverty and unemployment. This situation has led to the formation of shantytowns and rising crime rates. The National Front, France’s far-right party, has gained popularity on the island, contributing to political tensions.

🚔 France’s Harsh Crackdown on Migrants

In April 2023, France launched 'Operation Wuambushu,' deploying 1,800 security forces to expel undocumented migrants. The operation sparked violent clashes between locals and police, and human rights groups heavily criticized it. Despite opposition and legal rulings to halt the operation, France remained determined to tackle the effects of illegal immigration on Mayotte. Tensions with Comoros heightened as the country initially refused to accept deported migrants.

🤝 Ongoing Tensions and Diplomatic Strains

The crackdown on immigrants strained relations between France and Comoros. Although Comoros initially rejected expelled migrants, it later agreed to accept citizens with valid documents. Despite easing tensions, Comoros continues to assert its claim to Mayotte, and the issue remains unresolved. The paragraph ends by acknowledging the long-lasting impact of colonial partitions and the continuing geopolitical crisis in Mayotte.

Keywords

💡Mayotte

Mayotte is a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean, located in the Comoros archipelago. The video discusses Mayotte's controversial status due to its ties to France and the resulting tensions with the neighboring Comoros islands. It is central to the video as it highlights the complexities of colonial history, self-determination, and the ongoing immigration crisis that has led to recent clashes.

💡Comoros

Comoros is an island nation near Mayotte, comprising the other islands of the archipelago. The tension between Comoros and France over Mayotte stems from Comoros' claim of sovereignty over Mayotte, despite Mayotte's desire to remain part of France. This geopolitical dispute, rooted in colonial history, underscores the island's contested status and is central to the video's discussion.

💡Decolonization

Decolonization refers to the process by which colonies gained independence from European powers in the mid-20th century. The video explores the aftermath of this process, particularly in the case of Mayotte, where the island chose to remain with France while the other Comoros islands pursued independence. The legacy of decolonization is central to the video, illustrating how unresolved issues can lead to modern-day conflicts.

💡Self-determination

Self-determination is the right of a people to decide their political future. In the context of Mayotte, the islanders repeatedly voted to remain part of France, even as Comoros and international bodies advocated for a unified archipelago. The video highlights this tension between self-determination and the broader international push for decolonization and territorial integrity.

💡Territorial integrity

Territorial integrity is the principle that international borders should not be altered through force or unilateral action. The UN and the African Union have both called for the territorial integrity of the Comoros archipelago, which includes Mayotte, to be respected. This principle contrasts with Mayotte's desire for self-determination and is a key concept in the ongoing dispute between France and Comoros.

💡Operation Wuambushu

Operation Wuambushu is the French government's recent initiative to deport illegal immigrants from Mayotte. The video describes this large-scale crackdown on migrants, which has escalated into violence and drawn international criticism. The operation is a key example of how immigration and territorial disputes are playing out in Mayotte and highlights the island's broader socio-political issues.

💡Colonial partition

Colonial partition refers to the division of territories during and after colonial rule. In Mayotte’s case, France retained control over the island while granting independence to the rest of the Comoros. This partition has had long-term consequences, with ongoing disputes over sovereignty and self-determination. The video explains how this colonial-era decision continues to influence the region's politics and tensions.

💡Immigration crisis

The immigration crisis in Mayotte is a significant issue, with thousands of migrants, mostly from Comoros, seeking a better life on the island. The video explains how the disparity between Mayotte's relative wealth and Comoros' poverty has driven mass migration, leading to social tensions, overcrowded slums, and rising crime. This crisis is at the heart of the French government's recent actions on the island.

💡United Nations

The United Nations (UN) has been a key player in the international response to the Mayotte issue, repeatedly passing resolutions calling for the preservation of the territorial integrity of the Comoros archipelago. The video references the UN's position on the partition of colonial territories, highlighting the organization's role in the ongoing debate over Mayotte's status and its condemnation of France's actions.

💡African Union

The African Union (AU) is another international body involved in the Mayotte dispute, advocating for the sovereignty of Comoros over the island. The video mentions the AU's consistent position on Mayotte, which aligns with the broader African stance against colonial-era partitions. The AU’s involvement emphasizes the geopolitical dimensions of the conflict and its significance for African unity.

Highlights

In April 2023, the French government launched a large-scale crackdown on immigrants in Mayotte, causing outcry in France due to concerns over human rights violations.

The operation in Mayotte has raised questions about the territory's contested status and reignited debates over colonialism.

Mayotte's history dates back to 1841 when it was ceded to France by a local sultan, and it remained a French colony through multiple changes in the colonial system.

Despite calls for decolonization, Mayotte voted against independence in 1974, choosing to remain part of France, while the rest of the Comoros islands gained independence.

France retained control over Mayotte based on the principle of self-determination of the islanders, despite opposition from the UN and the African Union.

In 2011, Mayotte officially became France's 101st department and its fifth overseas department after a series of referendums, further integrating it with France.

Mayotte is one of the poorest regions in the European Union, yet its GDP is significantly higher than that of the Comoros, making it a magnet for migrants from neighboring islands.

Illegal immigration from the Comoros has created significant challenges in Mayotte, including the emergence of shantytowns, high crime rates, and poverty.

Operation Wuambushu in 2023 saw 1,800 French security personnel sent to Mayotte to deport migrants, leading to violent clashes and human rights concerns.

The crackdown has caused diplomatic tensions between France and the Comoros, with the latter initially refusing to accept deported migrants but later agreeing under certain conditions.

The operation in Mayotte highlighted the ongoing challenges France faces with colonial-era territorial divisions and their lasting consequences.

The partition of Mayotte from the rest of the Comoros is viewed as illegal under international law, but France defends its position by citing the self-determination of Mayotte's residents.

Despite international pressure, Mayotte remains part of France due to the islanders' wishes, complicating the geopolitical situation in the region.

The French far-right National Front has gained significant support in Mayotte due to the immigration issue, despite the island being predominantly Muslim.

The current crisis in Mayotte illustrates the lasting impact of colonial partitions and their potential to spark conflict many decades later.

Transcripts

In late April 2023, the French government  launched a large-scale and, by all accounts,  

brutal crackdown on immigrants in  its overseas department of Mayotte.

While the events have received very little  international coverage, it has caused an  

outcry in France, where many have condemned  it as a gross violation of human rights.

But it's also reawakened questions  about the territory's contested status.

So, what exactly prompted the recent developments?

And why is Mayotte such a controversial issue?

Hello and welcome. If you're new to the  channel, my name is James Ker-Lindsay and  

here I take an informed look at international  relations, conflict, security, and statehood.

Although we tend to think that the  era of decolonisation is now over,  

the legacy and consequences of European  imperialism can still be felt in many places.

Often this is centred on lingering  grievances about colonial injustices.

Many countries rightly see it as a  period of subjugation and exploitation.

But as time passes, the effects  slowly fade into history.

However, in some cases, the colonial  experience carries continuing consequences.

This is felt most acutely when the decolonisation  process resulted in the partition of a territory.

Sometimes, this was done to create separate  countries - as happened with India and Pakistan.

But in other cases, the partition was meant  

to allow a colonial power to retain  control of a part of the territory.

This might be for military purposes, as  happened with Britain in Mauritius and Cyprus.

Alternatively, it could be  because the local population  

wanted to retain its links  with the colonial power.

One of the best examples of  this latter group is Mayotte.

At 630,000 square kilometres, or just  under a quarter of a million square miles,  

the Republic of France is the  world's 42nd largest country.

But while most of the country lies  in continental Europe - otherwise  

known as European France or Metropolitan  France - around 130,000 square kilometres,  

or approximately 15 of its  territory, lies overseas.

This territory falls into  several different categories.

Some are autonomous and  semi-autonomous territories,  

such as French Polynesia and New  Caledonia in the South Pacific.

However, five areas are fully  integrated into France as full  

departments on an equal footing with  their counterparts in European France.

These are French Guiana in South America, the  Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique,  

and Réunion a Mayotte in the Indian Ocean.

Mayotte lies at the southern end of the  Comoros archipelago - a cluster of four  

main islands and numerous smaller islands and  islets lying off the southeast coast of Africa.

At 374 square kilometres or around 144  square miles, its closest neighbours are  

the three other islands that now make up  the Union of the Comoros to its northwest.

To its southeast is Madagascar.

And directly to its west, Mozambique is  the closest mainland African country,  

around 400 kilometres or 300 miles away.

The population is around 270 000, or 0.4 per cent  of the overall French population of 68 million.

The Mahorais, as they're known, are  a complex combination of Africans,  

Arabs, Asians and European settlers.

While most are Sunni Muslims, like the 820  

000 Comorans on the other Islands,  there's also a large Catholic community.

Little is known about the ancient  history of the Comoros islands.

However, it's believed that having been  initially discovered by Arab and Persian  

explorers, the islands were later settled  by Malays, Arabs and mainland Africans.

Then in the 15th century, Islam arrived, and  they became a patchwork of local sultanates.

However, our story really starts in  1841 when one of the ruling Sultans  

ceded Mayotte to France, which then  declared it a colony two years later.

This lasted until the middle of the 1880s,  

when France seized control of the rest of  the islands, making them a protectorate.

In 1912, all four Islands were merged with  

neighbouring Madagascar to become the  colony of Madagascar and Dependencies.

This lasted until 1946 when  the islands were again split  

off and became a separate French overseas  territory, with its capital on Mayotte.

By the early 1950s, pressure was growing  on France and the other European colonial  

powers to grant Independence  to their overseas territories.

In 1958, France held a referendum on a  new constitution offering independence  

to any of the colonies that voted against it.

But like almost every other French territory,  

the Comoros Islands voted overwhelmingly  in favour of the new arrangement.

Despite this, international calls for  decolonisation continued and in 1960 the  

UN General Assembly passed Resolution  1514 - the landmark Declaration of  

the Granting of Independence to  Colonial Countries and Peoples.

While France eventually gave in to the calls  and relinquished most of its African holdings  

by the middle of the 1960s, including  neighbouring Madagascar, it nevertheless  

retained control over the Comoros Islands  - albeit granting them extensive self-rule.

And, as part of this, it also  transferred the capital from  

Mayotte to another of the Islands, Grand Comore.

But while calls for independence  now grew on the northern islands,  

Mayotte wanted to retain its links to France.

Led by the Mahorais Popular Movement,  the MPM, the islanders argued that their  

long ties to France had given Mayotte a  distinct identity from the other Islands.

In 1973, France and the Comoros  government finally agreed that  

the islands would gain independence by 1978.

But while the United Nations welcomed the news,  reaffirming the inalienable rights of the people  

of the Comoro archipelago to self-determination,  it also emphasised that the unity and the  

territorial Integrity of the islands must be  preserved, and called on France to protect this.

In December 1974, the islands  held an independence referendum.

But while the three northern islands decided  on statehood, Mayotte voted against it.

As a result, when the islands unilaterally  declared independence the following July,  

Mayotte refused to join the new country.

Instead, in a separate referendum  held in early 1976, 99.4 per cent  

of the island's inhabitants voted  to retain their links to France.

Having decided to retain control over Mayotte,  

France faced growing pressure  to relinquish the island.

In a series of resolutions over the next  decade and a half, the UN General Assembly  

repeatedly reconfirmed France's responsibility  to respect the unity and territorial integrity  

of the entire archipelago, and called  the talks between the two governments.

Likewise, the African Union also passed  numerous resolutions reaffirming the  

Comoros' sovereignty over the island of Mayotte  and calling on France to end its occupation.

But while there have been suggestions  that France would have liked to end the  

issue and integrate the island into  the Comoros, it was unable to do so  

given the overwhelming wishes of the  Islanders to remain a part of France.

Indeed, even today, it argues that  the decision to retain the island was  

based on the self-determination  of the islanders themselves.

Paris also insists that it complied  with international law in doing so,  

even though the UN General  

Assembly explicitly condemned the partition  of colonial territories as far back as 1966.

In the meantime, Mayotte has steadily  become ever more integrated with France.

In 2000, the islands voted to become an  overseas departmental community - gaining  

constitutionally recognised position as a  territory subject to French sovereignty in 2003.

This was followed by another vote  in March 2009 which saw over 95 per  

cent vote in favour of a plan to make the  island France's 101st department and its  

fifth overseas department - a decision that  came into force on the 31st of March 2011.

Most recently, on 1 January 2014,  

Mayotte became one of nine so-called  outermost regions of the European Union.

These territories are geographically distanced  

from the EU, but considered fully  integrated areas of the Union.

As well as Mayotte, these include the four  other French overseas department and the  

French collectivity of Saint Martin in the  Caribbean; the Portuguese autonomous regions  

of the Azores and Madeira; and the Canary  Islands, an autonomous community of Spain.

And it's this gradual integration into France and  

the European Union that lies  behind the current crisis.

Although Mayotte ranks as the poorest region of  France, and indeed the entire European Union,  

with a per capita GDP of around US$10,600  in 2021, it's still considerably wealthier  

than the Comoros, which had a per  capita GDP of a mere US$1,600.

As a result, Mayotte has become a magnet for  many Comorans searching for a better life.

This has seen tens of thousands make the 70  kilometre, or 43-mile, journey from Anjouan,  

the nearest of the Comoros islands - a  dangerous trip often made in small boats.

However, once in Mayotte they  are trapped as the island has  

separate immigration and asylum  rules from the rest of France.

All this now means that around  half the Island's population is  

believed to have been born outside the territory.

Moreover, faced with high unemployment  and nowhere to go, most fall into poverty.

Aside from the emergence of  large migrant Shanty towns,  

this has also seen a steady growth in crime  rates, including murders and armed robberies.

All this has seen a growing backlash from the  islanders to the extent that the National Front,  

the main far-right party in France,  now enjoys high support on the island.

Indeed, it won the largest share of the  vote in the last presidential election;  

even though most Islanders are Muslim, a group  the Front has targeted in mainland France.

In response, France has repeatedly  tried to tackle the issue.

As well as giving the Comoros 150 million euros  

in development aid in 2019 in return for  more stringent efforts to stop the boats,  

it's also clamped down on new arrivals  through increased patrols and surveillance.

However, despite intercepting more  than 500 boats in 2022, carrying over 8  

000 people, the crossings have continued and  the number of migrants on Mayotte has grown.

It's against this backdrop that, on 20 April 2023,  

the French Minister of the Interior and  Overseas Territories, Gérald Darmanin,  

announced a large-scale mission to round  up and expel tens of thousands of migrants.

Operation Wuambushu saw 1800 members of the French  security forces, including many sent from France,  

sweep migrant villages to detain and  deport those caught without papers.

However, as many warned, this quickly  escalated into serious clashes.

Faced with attacks from locals armed with stones  and machetes, French police used tear gas,  

stun grenades, rubber bullets, and even  handguns to disperse protesting migrants.

Just days later, with claims that the operation  had put the island on the verge of insurrection,  

a court in Mayotte ordered a  halt to the slum clearances.

But despite this, France has vowed to continue its  steps to fight the effects of illegal immigration.

All this has had broader implications.

For a start, it's been heavily  criticised by human rights campaigners.

But it's also raised tensions  between France and the Comoros.

As well as strongly condemning the operation,  

the Comoros government initially refused to  allow boats carrying the expelled to dock at  

its ports - although it's since agreed to take  back passengers carrying Comoros documents.

However, although the operation continues,  the immediate strains appear to be using.

Azali Assoumani, the President of the Comoros,  

has now spoken with his French  counterpart, Emmanuel Macron.

And while no readout was produced,  

the interior ministries have released  a statement pledging to cool tensions.

Still, beneath all this the  fundamental issue remains.

Speaking on French television, Assoumani, who  also serves as the president of the African Union,  

again reiterated his country's ongoing  claim to sovereignty over Mayotte.

But this raises a problem.

While most observers would agree  that the partition was conducted  

contrary to international law, the inhabitants  nevertheless wished to remain part of France.

They would argue that their right to  self-determination must be respected,  

even though France faces the  consequences of that decision.

Meanwhile, the recent events on the island  of Mayotte have graphically shown how the  

effects of a colonial partition can not  only still be felt many decades later,  

but have the potential to become points of crisis.

The question, of course, is what  can or should be done about it.

I hope you found that helpful. If so, here's  another video that you might find interesting.

Thanks so much for watching  and see you in the next video.