Rebuilding Mayotte: Prime Minister Bayrou's Plan

Immediate Recovery Efforts

Prime Minister François Bayrou arrived in Mayotte, pledging to reconstruct the Indian Ocean territory within two years, devastated by Cyclone Chido.

"After a day of dialogue, we will announce tonight a plan named 'Mayotte standing' that will pave the way," he said.

"There will be a second phase, a long-term plan, because it's not just about rebuilding Mayotte as it was but designing a different future," he added.

Unveiling the 'Mayotte Standing' Plan

Bayrou outlined a two-year rebuilding goal. The plan aims to restore essential services such as water, power, and telecommunications.

"We have to set ourselves this goal," he stated.

Addressing the Invisible Inhabitants

Mayotte's official population stands at 320,000, but an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 undocumented migrants populate shanty towns demolished by the cyclone.

"We can't let people make the same mistakes and hope for a different outcome," said Mamoudzou's mayor.

Bayrou recognized the need to address this issue, suggesting questioning France's birthright citizenship rule in Mayotte.

Bayrou's Visit and Assistance

Bayrou arrived with 2.5 tonnes of aid supplies, visiting a field hospital, a secondary school in a slum, and meeting with officials.

"What they want is 'concrete' action," Bayrou said. "Not just pretty words of solidarity."