“Maore Farantsa”: the self-determination of Mayotte to become a département of France

Date

2015

Authors

Crabtree, Robert William Alexander

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Hill, Lisa Ellen
Tubilewicz, Czeslaw
Patrikeeff, Felix

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Abstract

The small Indian Ocean island of Mayotte, a French colony since 1843, rejected independence as part of a four-island Comores in 1975. Instead, the island’s people insisted upon a desire first voiced in 1958 to become a département of France, thus integrating into the erstwhile colonial power. This was considered by many, including the United Nations General Assembly, to be contrary to international law. This thesis examines the causes, the circumstances and the relevant law, both international and French, and argues that the départementalisation of Mayotte was not, in all likelihood, illegal by the law of the time, and is now, correctly, not seen in these terms. The thesis argues that while previous discussion has centred upon the relations of France and the Republic (now Union) of Comores, an examination with Mayotte at its centre and with self-determination and small island theory as prime themes, will give a more nuanced view of the complex relationships and their standing in law. The thesis emphasises the significance of the Affaire Mayotte to scholars and analysts of the Anglophone world, where it is largely unknown.

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School of Social Sciences

Dissertation Note

Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Social Sciences, 2015.

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This electronic version is made publicly available by the University of Adelaide in accordance with its open access policy for student theses. Copyright in this thesis remains with the author. This thesis may incorporate third party material which has been used by the author pursuant to Fair Dealing exceptions. If you are the owner of any included third party copyright material you wish to be removed from this electronic version, please complete the take down form located at: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/legals
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