A corner of the Indian Ocean that is forever France
If oceans can be said to have corners.
Anyway, the Mahorais, or the inhabitants of the island of Mayotte have decided that they want to be French, and have voted in favour by a landslide. The fact that this will then allow them unfettered access to the metropolitan job market, and indeed that of the EU, not to mention the tidal wave of money that France will send the island's way, may well have had a bearing on the vote.
The island has had an arms length-ish relationship with France since the island decided it did not want to join the rest of the Comoros archipelago in gaining independence back in '74. In a development that will irk the self-detonating community, Islamic law (including polygamy) will be be replaced with French civil law. The UN and the African Union have been less than chuffed about the Mahorais cosying up to La Douce France too, but tant pis.
Mayotte will be the 101st departement, but 976 will appear on French-plated cars. Anyone photographing one in the field and sending it to me with proof of authenticity can claim the usual fiver. Generous, eh?
Anyway, the Mahorais, or the inhabitants of the island of Mayotte have decided that they want to be French, and have voted in favour by a landslide. The fact that this will then allow them unfettered access to the metropolitan job market, and indeed that of the EU, not to mention the tidal wave of money that France will send the island's way, may well have had a bearing on the vote.
The island has had an arms length-ish relationship with France since the island decided it did not want to join the rest of the Comoros archipelago in gaining independence back in '74. In a development that will irk the self-detonating community, Islamic law (including polygamy) will be be replaced with French civil law. The UN and the African Union have been less than chuffed about the Mahorais cosying up to La Douce France too, but tant pis.
Mayotte will be the 101st departement, but 976 will appear on French-plated cars. Anyone photographing one in the field and sending it to me with proof of authenticity can claim the usual fiver. Generous, eh?
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on Sunday, March 29, 2009 at 7:40 pm.
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