In Mayotte, a French department in the Indian Ocean, an increasing number of Congolese migrants from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are arriving as they flee conflict in the eastern regions of their country. According to the French Office for Immigration and Integration (Ofpra), they now constitute the majority among first-time asylum requests lodged on the island. This shift indicates a growing trend of migration from war-torn areas of the DRC to more stable territories, albeit with challenges for the migrants during their journey.

The situation on the ground in Mayotte reveals that newly arrived Congolese migrants are primarily settled in a camp located south of Mamoudzou, the main city of Mayotte. An example is Kennedy Kighana from Goma, who reached Mayotte in September 2025 after living in Tanzania. His experience highlights the fears many migrants face regarding their safety and potential deportation as they attempt to navigate political tensions in neighboring countries, especially leading up to significant events like elections.

The implications of this increasing Congolese presence in Mayotte raise questions about the island's immigration policies and the support systems in place for asylum seekers. As the dynamics of migration continue to evolve, local authorities and humanitarian organizations must address the rising needs of these new arrivals, who are escaping violence and instability in their home country and seeking refuge and safety in Mayotte and beyond.