On February 23, 2025, France 5 will broadcast two compelling documentaries, "Mayotte, l’impossibilité d’une île" and "Mayotte, le choix de rester français," aimed at illuminating the complex socio-political challenges faced by the island of Mayotte, particularly against the backdrop of recent catastrophic events.
Nestled between Madagascar and the African coast, the small French department has been thrust back under the spotlight following the devastating cyclone Chido, which struck on December 14, 2024, claiming 39 lives and injuring thousands more. The documentaries, crafted by directors Julie Peyrard and Philippe Tourancheau, weave personal narratives and historical accounts together, painting a vivid picture of life on the island before and after the cyclone.
Peyrard’s film, "Mayotte, l’impossibilité d’une île," delves deep, showcasing the stark reality of life on the island faced with endemic poverty, violence, and the challenges of cohabitation among diverse populations. The director highlights the rift between the indigenous Mahorais, who overwhelmingly voted to remain French during the political upheavals of the 1970s, and the Comorians, many living on the island illegally, yet claiming historical ties to the French republic.
Mohammed B., one of the documentary's subjects, poignantly articulates the depth of division: "On se déteste" (We hate each other), reflecting the troubled dynamics between local groups. Similarly, "le Gérant"—a young gang leader—murkily recalls the origins of these rivalries, hinting at banal beginnings, "Je crois que c’est parti d’une histoire de foot…" (I think it started with a football story...), demonstrating how interpersonal conflicts can spiral out of control.
Political tensions also surface throughout the documentaries, particularly through the lens of the 1974 referendum orchestrated by then-President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing. This pivotal moment saw Mayotte residents vote against independence, effectively severing ties with the Comorian archipelago. Yet, even this significant moment remains fraught with controversy, as its legitimacy is questioned by Comorian and UN representatives.
Tourancheau's follow-up, "Mayotte, le choix de rester français," offers additional insights, including heavyweights from French politics, discussing the ramifications of those historical decisions. Former presidents Nicolas Sarkozy and François Hollande, along with local activists, weigh in, exploring the patterns of political decisions made over decades and their long-lasting effects on Mayotte's present circumstances.
The impact of cyclone Chido serves as both a literal and metaphorical wake-up call for the island. Areas once vibrant have been flattened to debris, laying bare the structural issues Marthans have faced for years. With 30 births per day at the Mamoudzou hospital, the challenges Mount and population growth due to significant illegal immigration from the Comoros underline the tense, complex demographics on the island.
Peyrard emphasizes the aim of her documentaries was to humanize the narrative around Mayotte, moving away from sensational reporting often associated with crises to embrace more nuanced portrayals of everyday life. "The hatred is everywhere, and this is how our title makes perfect sense," she noted, signaling the urgency of addressing these deep-rooted animosities.
Both documentaries aim to re-engage metropolitan French viewers with Mayotte's frequently overlooked plight, reminding them of both the beauty and suffering encapsulated by the island's history. The documentaries promise not just to inform but also to evoke reflection on the broader societal fractures within contemporary French society.
Mayotte appears as both picturesque and precarious, its people yearning for recognition and aid to recover from natural and societal disasters. With the Cyclone Chido acting as both destroyer and catalyst, this two-part documentary series invites audiences to grapple with the enduring questions of identity, belonging, and the long shadow of colonial histories.
Viewers are encouraged to tune in to France 5 this Sunday at 21:05 to grasp the full scope of life on Mayotte, as captured through the lens of those who live it and fight for their stories to be told.