In Mayotte, magistrates are warning about the degraded functioning of local justice ahead of Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin's visit scheduled for Monday, February 23. The Mamoudzou court, partially destroyed by Cyclone Chido in December 2024, is struggling with a severe shortage of staff and facilities. The court president has publicly criticized the insufficient resources amid a high volume of criminal cases.
Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin is expected with firm anticipation in Mayotte on Monday, February 23, by magistrates and staff at the Mamoudzou judicial court. This French overseas department has been facing heightened judicial challenges since Cyclone Chido struck on December 14, 2024, partially damaging local court infrastructure.
In her opening-of-the-year speech on February 4, the jurisdiction's president, Sophie de Borggraef, described a 'trying year for Mayotte.' She highlighted that the court has held on despite the disaster, reconstruction delays, and 'desperately insufficient resources.' Key issues include shortages of magistrates, clerks, offices, and hearing rooms.
As of early February, the court had only 16 magistrates in position, including 12 tenured, short of the planned 18. 'It's too few to function normally,' stated the president, given the high number of criminal cases related to violence and the fight against clandestine immigration. Several positions remain vacant, including that of the judge for liberties and detention.
This situation underscores the ongoing difficulties of justice in Mayotte, a territory marked by significant security issues. Darmanin's visit may address these concerns, though sources do not specify the exact agenda.
