All four islands of the Comorian archipelago, lying between Mozambique on the East African mainland and Madagascar, were offered independence from France in 1975. Grande Comore, Anjouan and Mohelé decided to form a separate independent state, now called the Union of the Comoros, but Mayotte chose to stay under a form of French rule.
Since 1975 Mayotte, the second largest island of the Comoros archipelago, has been one of France’s Overseas Departments and Territories (départements d’outre-mer et territoires d’outre-mer, or DOM-TOM). At present it is known as the Departmental Collectivity of Mayotte, sending one elected deputy to the French National Assembly, and two senators to the French Senate. It already receives a lot of economic support from France.
Grande Comore, Anjouan, Mohelé and Mayotte all share a similar climate, attractive volcanic scenery and beautiful coastlines, but the first three have had a history of political fragmentation, social unrest and coups. The Union of the Comoros remains one of the poorest and smallest states in the world, while Francophone Mayotte has been comparatively peaceful and prosperous, with a GDP (Gross Domestic Product) nine times higher than the Union of the Comoros.
Reasons For France Favouring Mayotte Over Other Comorian Islands
- Mayotte has the only deep, sheltered harbour suitable for a naval base.
- The tiny island of Petit Terre across the harbour from Grand Terre (the ‘mainland’ of Mayotte) offered security for the French administration, settlers and military, and separation for health reasons from the mainland community.
- Mayotte has wonderful volcanic features and coastal views, but without the danger of eruptions, as on Grande Comore.
- The rugged terrain affords excellent training for the French Foreign Legion, which still has a big base on Petit Terre.
- Mamoudzou, the capital, attracted more French settlers and administrators than the other Comorian islands, so Mayotte was seen as a place to encourage French language and culture.
Advantages for Francophone Mayotte in Strengthening Links With France
- Mayotte will enjoy the same healthcare and welfare system as Metropolitan France.
- Islamic Law will be abolished and the more liberal French Civil Code reintroduced.
- The currency will continue to be the Euro which makes trading easier, and Mayotte will even have its own French postal code.
- French (seen as more marketable than Swahili and Comorian) will be the only official language, and economic support for promoting it and French culture will increase.
- Mayotte will gain the same degree of economic and military protection, and political representation as any other French département, which includes EU membership and its many benefits.
- The guarantee of political stability and security should attract more international investment to Mayotte, as well as visitors to boost its tourist industry.
Downsides to Mayotte’s Closer Links With France
- In spite of Mayotte’s overwhelming ‘Oui’ vote for full DOM status in 2011, Comorian nationalists still see Mayotte as under foreign colonial rule, and may cause problems.
- Taxes will have to go up in line with Metropolitan France.
- Illegal immigration from the Union of the Comoros and the African mainland, is expected to increase, while more of the Mahorais themselves may head for Metropolitan France and so to other EU countries.
The international community and the travel industry will be watching with interest as this tiny island in a strategically interesting position bucks the trend towards decolonialisation and the growth of Islam in the countries bordering the Indian Ocean.
For more information:
Comoros Islands
Kate Nivison - Kate Nivison has published 2 novels, over 250 short stories and travel features, visited 74 countries and written about most of them.
