Legal challenges loom over land allocation

The State's failure to effectively use the four billion euros promised by the refounding law passed in July 2025, following cyclone Chido, may trigger legal action from the commune of Dzaoudzi-Labattoir, the Petite-Terre intercommunality, and the Mayotte Refounding Public Establishment (EPRDM). Landowners in areas like Badamiers, targeted by Mayotte Electricity (EDM), are preparing to respond in court, backed by a local and national lawyers' group and a new organization called "Foncier 976." If expropriation becomes necessary, they plan to sell their land at its true value.

Accusations of hidden state intentions

Landowners are pushing back against what they see as extraordinary measures and suspect the State is acting on behalf of local authorities with hidden motives. The issue is especially sensitive in Mayotte due to past attempts by former Minister of Overseas Territories Manuel Valls to introduce a controversial provision, later renumbered as Article 21 in the July 2025 law. Despite French Parliament's rejection, critics claim the State continues to push for land acquisition from local owners.

Criticism of EPRDM's development plans

Opponents argue that some projects proposed by the EPRDM to justify land use are deceptive and speculative, harming the interests of the Mahorais people. Some local authorities, communes, or intercommunalities are hesitant to take on the responsibility of expropriating land before their voters. This hesitation is partly due to recent municipal elections that have weakened some mayors’ positions and their hopes of retaining power.

Calls for sustainable development and accountability

An activist opposing the land acquisition efforts criticized local officials for lacking ambition and long-term planning in sustainable development and territorial planning. She stated that public authorities must recognize that the Mahorais support development but will strongly resist any efforts to take their land at a low price for resale to real estate developers and investors.

Resisting administrative overreach

Fatima Abdallah, a critic of the EPRDM, warned new officials in Petite-Terre that her group, "rebels against the abuses of the administration in Mayotte," will no longer tolerate being ignored. She argued that if the EPRDM and local communes can negotiate with financial and real estate groups, the Mahorais should also have the right to defend their interests within the framework of territorial planning.

Disputes over urban planning documents

Landowners are accusing local authorities of altering urban planning documents (PLU) during the previous administration, which they say excluded people close to the ruling municipal teams. They claim that experts sent to the Badamiers site are trying to take advantage of the situation, acquiring land at a symbolic price, even though the area contains residences, industrial sites, and energy facilities.

Skepticism about EPRDM projects

The EPRDM faces criticism for proposing projects that are seen as largely hypothetical and unlikely to be realized. The activist reiterated her belief that the State, with the help of certain local officials, is trying to put the Mahorais in a position where they would have no choice but to sell their ancestral lands to financial speculators.

Fighting for fair compensation

Landowners are organizing through "Foncier 976" to resist what they call the theft of their land and to attract investors willing to buy the plots at their true value. A group of lawyers may join the legal battle, seeking support from the mainland to ensure Mahorais landowners are not wronged by the State and local authorities.

Resistance to EDM power plant expansion

Opposition is growing, especially around the plan to expand the EDM power plant at the Badamiers site, which would require acquiring land that EDM wants to buy at a price considered too low. Landowners are pushing for fair compensation based on the value of existing power plant installations per square meter. They refuse to be passive participants in what they see as a charade, though they do not oppose development in their commune. They are prepared to challenge any planned or ongoing expropriation procedures by the EPRDM.