Moroni, Comoros – (African Boulevard News) – The simmering tension between France and its former colonial territory, the Comoros, continues to escalate over the issue of migrant arrivals. On Wednesday, the Comorian government announced that only migrants with proper identification would be allowed to dock at the port of Mutsamudu on the island of Anjouan.
This announcement comes after the Comorian government officially suspended the maritime link between Mayotte and Anjouan, a move that has angered French officials. Mayotte, which lies between Madagascar and Mozambique, is a French overseas territory and has become a popular destination for migrants seeking better economic opportunities.
The Comorian government’s decision to only allow migrants with proper identification to disembark has been criticized by French officials who claim that it violates international law. However, the Comorian government argues that the move is necessary to prevent the influx of undocumented migrants.
“The Comoros is a sovereign nation and we have the right to control our borders,” said Mohamed Bacar Dossar, the Comorian Minister of Interior. “We simply cannot allow our country to be used as a transit point for people without proper identification.”
French officials, however, have condemned the Comorian government’s decision and have called on the international community to intervene. “This decision violates international law and is contrary to the principles of human rights,” said French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Yves Le Drian. “We call on the Comorian government to reverse this decision and to respect international law.”
Despite the international outcry, the Comorian government remains steadfast in its decision. “We are not against migration, but we cannot allow undocumented migrants to enter our territory,” said Dossar.
The tension between France and the Comoros over the issue of migration is not new. France has been accused of using Mayotte as a way of deterring migrants from entering its mainland. In recent years, Mayotte has seen an increase in migrant arrivals, many of whom are from neighboring African countries.
The Comorian government’s decision to suspend the maritime link between Mayotte and Anjouan is a clear signal that it is no longer willing to be complicit in France’s approach to migration. However, the decision also raises questions about the future of relations between the two countries.
As the tension between France and the Comoros continues to simmer, it remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved. For now, the Comorian government’s decision to only allow migrants with proper identification to disembark at the port of Mutsamudu remains in effect.
