French President Emmanuel Macron faced heated exchanges during a visit to Mayotte, a French overseas territory grappling with the aftermath of Cyclone Chido. Touring the Pamandzi neighborhood, which suffered significant damage, Macron responded sharply to residents frustrated by delays in accessing potable water nearly a week after the storm struck.
“You’re happy to be in France. If it wasn’t for France, you’d be in way deeper trouble, 10,000 times worse,” Macron told the crowd after being heckled over the slow response. His remarks, intended to underscore France’s aid efforts, instead sparked criticism for being tone-deaf.
Also, read: Three Africans Make the List as Forbes Unveils 2024 Wealthiest Black Americans
The storm, which devastated Mayotte, has left many neighborhoods without basic necessities, intensifying residents’ frustrations. “Seven days and you can’t provide water to the population?” one man shouted. Macron urged unity, warning that divisive rhetoric would only worsen the situation.
Back in mainland France, opposition lawmakers condemned Macron’s comments. Sebastien Chenu of the far-right National Rally described them as lacking compassion, while hard-left lawmaker Eric Coquerel called them “undignified.”
Macron later defended his remarks, claiming some of the hecklers were political militants from the National Rally seeking to fuel anti-government sentiment. He emphasized France’s significant relief efforts in Mayotte but acknowledged the need for greater efficiency.
Cyclone Chido has claimed at least 35 lives, though officials fear the true toll could be far higher, particularly in hillside shantytowns that remain inaccessible to rescue teams. These areas, home to many undocumented migrants, suffered the brunt of the storm, leaving a grim recovery effort ahead.
