Mayotte has been French for longer than Nice. Why is it still treated with colonial arrogance? | Rokhaya Diallo
GuardianFEB 18
France: National Assembly Passes Mayotte Citizenship Restriction
Above: The hemicycle during a session of questions to the government at The National Assembly, France's lower house of parliament, in Paris on April 8, 2025. Image copyright: MAGALI COHEN/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Left narrative
Restricting birthright citizenship in Mayotte only worsens existing injustices. Instead of addressing the island's severe poverty, infrastructure deficits, and climate vulnerabilities, it targets vulnerable communities. By prioritizing immigration control over urgent humanitarian needs following a recent cyclone crisis, the government perpetuates inequality and colonial attitudes towards Mayotte.
Right narrative
France's amendment to Mayotte's birthright citizenship is a practical response to the island’s overwhelming immigration pressures. By tightening eligibility for French nationality, it aims to reduce the strain on public services caused by mass migration. The reform balances the need for immigration control while preserving fairness in granting nationality, setting a welcome precedent for broader national immigration policy.