Overview

• Russia accuses France of illegally controlling Mayotte and denounces its military presence as a colonial vestige, claiming it risks regional instability.
• France has clarified that it is not constructing a new military base in Mayotte but is enhancing support for its existing naval base to ensure national security.
• Manuel Valls, French Minister of Overseas Territories, asserts that France will firmly defend Mayotte's sovereignty, citing the island's choice in referendums to remain French.
• Marine Le Pen strongly rebukes Russian criticism, labeling it interference and reaffirming Mayotte's status as a French territory.
• The Comoros reiterates its claim to Mayotte, warning that increased militarization could heighten tensions in the Indian Ocean region.