The tensions between the communities from Mayotte and La Réunion are rising due to recent episodes of violence between gangs and rival neighborhoods in La Réunion. The blame is being placed on the Mahoran community, with social media amplifying a sense of insecurity among the population. The differences in minimum social benefits and wages between the two territories only add to the existing tensions. The native population of Mayotte in La Réunion is estimated at 1.1% according to the Insee.
Following several gang fights, La Réunion deputy Jean-Hugues Ratenon of La France Insoumise wrote to the prefect of La Réunion asking for measures to prevent the island from becoming a second Mayotte in terms of violence. He called for the expulsion of violent individuals, the halt of prisoner transfers to La Réunion, and the immediate stop of children being sent to uncontrolled families who end up on the streets. These statements were condemned by Mayotte Senator Saïd Omar Oili, who warned of fueling extremist, racist, and xenophobic movements.
A petition “Stop the delinquency coming from Mayotte” has been launched online, advocating for illegal measures such as ending inter-island freedom of movement and prioritizing Réunion residents in social housing allocations while denying Mayotte’s belonging to France. These measures have stirred controversy and exacerbated the tensions between the communities. The stigmatization and blame placed on the Mahoran community for the violence in La Réunion is creating a divisive atmosphere on the island.
The economic and social disparities between Mayotte and La Réunion are also contributing to the tensions. With poverty and social welfare benefits significantly lower in Mayotte compared to La Réunion, there is a sense of competition and resentment between the two territories. This, combined with the recent increase in violence and gang activity, has led to a scapegoating of the Mahoran community as the source of trouble in La Réunion.
The call for stricter measures and the blaming of the Mahoran community for the violence in La Réunion is seen as a dangerous trend that could fuel racism and xenophobia. The fear of La Réunion becoming a ‘Mayotte bis’ in terms of violence is driving demands for drastic actions, such as expelling violent individuals and restricting the movement of people between the islands. However, these measures risk further alienating and marginalizing the Mahoran community and exacerbating tensions in an already fragile social situation.
In a region known for its cultural diversity and history of coexistence, the recent spate of violence and the ensuing blame game are threatening the social fabric of La Réunion. It is crucial for authorities and community leaders to address the root causes of the violence, including economic disparities and social welfare issues, in order to prevent further escalation of tensions between the communities from Mayotte and La Réunion. Only through dialogue, understanding, and cooperation can a sustainable solution be found to ensure peace and harmony in the region.
