His trip to the island is part of a five-day journey across the Indian Ocean. Cyclone Chido, which hit in December, claimed the lives of 40 individuals and inflicted approximately €3.5 billion in damages.
Since that time, vital services such as water supply, electricity, and telecommunications have been restored. Nevertheless, local residents are still awaiting the commencement of significant reconstruction efforts, as reported by AFP.
Upon his arrival in the capital, Mamoudzou, Macron addressed the ongoing challenges faced by the region.
“I want to acknowledge the resilience of the Mahoran people and all our fellow citizens who have managed to endure extremely difficult conditions over these past months,” the president stated.
“The situation was already fraught with challenges before we even recognized it. Water towers were in place prior to the cyclone, and significant economic and social issues existed. The situation has stabilized. I would say we have addressed the immediate emergency. Now, I am here to assess what has been accomplished effectively and what still requires improvement to provide a boost,” Macron continued.
During his December visit, Macron faced criticism from residents regarding the speed and extent of the government’s response. He had pledged a “comprehensive crisis response,” but encountered frustration from the local community.
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In response to the complaints, the French President remarked, “You are fortunate to be in France. Without France, your situation would be ten thousand times worse.”
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