France Mourns for Cyclone Chido Victims in Mayotte

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France is holding a day of national mourning for the victims of Cyclone Chido in Mayotte, an overseas region of France between northern Mozambique and northwestern Madagascar. The storm may have killed thousands and caused massive damage. President Macron and Prime Minister Bayrou led the minute of silence for the storm's victims and pledged to rebuild the devastated infrastructure and homes. Mayotte was already France's most impoverished territory before the cyclone struck, and now more than 100,000 people remain in Red Cross shelters after their homes were destroyed.

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Reviving Mayotte: French PM's Promised Aid After Cyclone Chido

MayotteCyclone ChidoFrench PMOverseas territories

French PM's Promised Aid After Cyclone Chido
François Bayrou, French Prime Minister, visited Mayotte on Monday, accompanied by a large delegation.
The aim: to bring help and promise concrete action after Cyclone Chido's destruction.

Key Takeaways
Residents demand concrete measures from the French state to rebuild the island.
Criticism over the slow pace of aid and delays in clean water provision.
Journalist Inés Alma emphasizes the need for action over words.

A Step Towards Recovery
Bayrou's visit underscores France's commitment to Mayotte's recovery. But, locals and activists remain skeptical, insisting on more than promises. The French PM has work to do to earn their trust and ensure the territory's resilience.

Senegal to Close All Foreign Military Bases: What You Need to Know

militaryFranceAfricaforeign policySenegal

Big News from Senegal!** The West African nation just announced it will close all foreign military bases in the near future! Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko made the announcement during a policy statement, but no specific timeline has been set yet. This move appears to be aimed primarily at France, which has faced opposition from some African leaders over its alleged heavy-handed approach on the continent. France has already left Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, and the process of exiting Chad started this month. Senegal's new government, in power for less than a year, has taken a hard line stance on the presence of French troops. But what does this mean for the region and for Senegal's relations with France? Let's dive in and find out!

Samuel Paty's Killers Convicted: A Tragic Reminder of the Price of Hate

Franceterrorismfreedom of speechSamuel Paty

Eight people have been convicted in a French anti-terrorism court** for their involvement in the beheading of teacher Samuel Paty outside his school four years ago. Paty, 47, was killed near Paris on 16 October 2020, after showing his class cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad during a debate on free expression. The assailant, an 18-year-old Russian of Chechen origin, was shot to death by police.

Hundreds Feared Dead After Cyclone Chido Hits Mayotte and Mozambique

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Cyclone Chido** has left a trail of destruction in Mayotte and Mozambique, with hundreds feared dead and thousands injured. The storm, which was intensified by climate breakdown, flattened slums and destroyed homes, leaving many areas inaccessible. French officials have confirmed 22 deaths and 1,500 injuries in Mayotte, but the death toll is expected to rise. In Mozambique, nearly 500 people were injured and 24,000 homes were destroyed. The cyclone also caused widespread devastation in the city of Mamoudzou, Mayotte, and left the water system working at only 50%. French authorities have started to distribute water and are working to set up a field hospital. The French president is due to visit Mayotte on Thursday.

Emmanuel Macron Heads to Devastated Mayotte After Cyclone Chido

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Emmanuel Macron is on his way to Mayotte after Cyclone Chido left a trail of destruction in the French territory.** The storm has already claimed 22 lives and injured 1,373 people, with the death toll expected to rise. Mayotte's infrastructure has been severely damaged, leaving many residents without electricity, water, or communication. The storm is the latest in a string of extreme weather events fueled by climate change.

Gisele Pelicot's Ex-Husband Asks Forgiveness As Verdict Nears in Rape Trial

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Gisele Pelicot's Ex-Husband Asks Forgiveness As Verdict Nears in Rape Trial
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Dominique Pelicot, the ex-husband, pleaded for forgiveness and asked the family to accept his apologies.
Prosecutors are seeking the maximum possible sentence of 20 years imprisonment for aggravated rape.

Hundreds of people gathered in Avignon in support of Gisele Pelicot and to raise awareness about sexual abuse.

Cyclone Chido Leaves a Trail of Destruction in Mayotte and Mozambique

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Notre Dame Cathedral's Triumphant Return to Paris

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Political Chaos in France:** French Prime Minister Michel Barnier has resigned after a no-confidence vote in parliament. The vote came as a result of Barnier's 2025 budget plan, which included austerity measures unacceptable to a majority in parliament. Barnier's fall deepens France's political stalemate, reducing the probability of a consolidation of public finances. President Emmanuel Macron now faces the daunting task of picking a viable successor.

Delta Stowaway Causes Disruptions on Return Flight to NYC

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Delta Stowaway Causes Disruptions on Return Flight to NYC
A Russian national and legal resident of the US, who previously snuck onto a Delta Air Lines flight from NYC to Paris, caused disruptions on a return flight to NYC. The woman, who didn't have valid travel documents to enter France, was scheduled to be on a flight to the US on Tuesday afternoon but was removed after becoming disruptive. She was reportedly to be accompanied by six US marshals on the flight back to NYC, but instead, she was taken back into French police custody after her outburst.

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Macron Acknowledges 1944 Massacre of West African Troops by French Army

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Tight Security in Paris for Israel-France Football Match Amid Tensions

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Tight security in Paris for Israel-France football match
Police in Paris are bracing for potential violence before Thursday's France-Israel football match*
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About 4,000 police officers will be deployed on the streets and another 1,500 on public transport routes*
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A shooting in France's western city of Poitiers has left five people injured, including a teenager. The violence is thought to be linked to drug trafficking. The interior minister has warned that the country is at a 'tipping point' when it comes to drug trafficking violence. In the same week, a five-year-old boy was also seriously injured in a shooting related to drug trafficking in Rennes. France is experiencing a surge in gang-related drug violence, with numerous cities affected. The senate has estimated annual drug trafficking revenues in France at €3-6 billion ($3.3-6.6 billion).

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On Saturday, a child tragically died while attempting to cross the English Channel from France to the UK.
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France and the US have proposed a 21-day ceasefire in Lebanon to allow for negotiations between Israel and Hezbollah. The ceasefire would allow time for both parties to hold negotiations and comes as Israel's army chief has told troops to be ready for a 'possible entry' into Lebanon. The Lebanese health ministry has announced that Israeli strikes on the country have left 72 people dead on Wednesday, with nearly 400 injured. Israel's army said it had hit 60 Hezbollah intelligence targets, including command centres. Lebanese officials say at least 641 people have been killed in Israeli strikes in Lebanon since Monday, while close to half a million people have been displaced. (FRANCE 24 with AFP, AP, Reuters) Read more on related topics: Related content

Barnier Appointed as France's New Prime Minister Amid Political Crisis

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Michel Barnier, former EU Brexit negotiator, is the new French Prime Minister. He faces a daunting task, with the left alleging his appointment is undemocratic and the far-right labeling him a 'fossil'. Meanwhile, crucial budget preparations for 2025 are running out of time. Despite the challenges, Barnier's political views align closely with Macron's pro-business, pro-Europe stance. But can he navigate the deeply divided French political landscape?