France Defends Sovereignty Over Mayotte as Russia and Comoros Criticize Military Presence

France reaffirms its control of Mayotte, rejecting Russian accusations of illegal militarization and Comoros' claims, while clarifying no new military base is being built.

• 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.

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