French Prime Minister François Bayrou arrived in Mayotte on December 30 to announce a comprehensive recovery plan following the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido. This cyclone, deemed the most destructive in 90 years, claimed at least 39 lives and left over 5,600 injured in Mayotte, as noted in a report by Le Monde.

During his visit, Bayrou acknowledged the residents' long-standing sentiment of receiving merely "pretty words of solidarity" from the government, promising concrete actions instead. "After a day of dialogue, we will announce tonight a plan named 'Mayotte standing,' that will pave the way," he affirmed. This plan aims to not only rebuild but also to redefine the future for the island's population.

In a preceding announcement, the Prime Minister indicated intentions to submit a draft emergency law to Parliament in January, focusing on rebuilding efforts within a two-year timeframe. He highlighted the necessity to ban rebuilding informal settlements, which have become home to many undocumented migrants devastated by the cyclone.

Bayrou further detailed efforts to restore electricity to all homes by late January and emphasized rapid upgrades to the water supply system by mid-2025, restored to pre-cyclone levels by January 6. In addition, he mentioned the deployment of 200 Starlink antennas to facilitate emergency communications.

As education faces significant disruptions with many schools destroyed, temporary schooling options in mainland France are under consideration. Classes in Mayotte are set to resume on January 13, with special provisions for exam students, according to a report from AP News.

Bayrou's visit and plan reflect an urgent response to the residents of Mayotte, who have expressed feelings of neglect by past administrations. Commentators note the importance of this recovery effort not just for immediate safety, but also for long-term socioeconomic solutions.