The curious case of Africa’s Indian Ocean Islands​

Abstract

Residents of the islands off Africa’s east coast are able to deal with stormy conditions. In 2019 alone, ten storms categorized as “intense tropical cyclones” battered the region. Despite threats from seasonal weather, the typical view of these islands is as idyllic island paradises for well-heeled tourists, attracted by their pristine beaches and turquoise waters. A Google search for “islands off Africa's east coast” delivers results almost entirely dedicated to travel, cruises, discounted flight offers, holiday reviews and tourism. True enough, tourism is a critical revenue generator for many of these islands, but few see their strategic potential. This article explores the shifting geopolitics that power an entirely different storm – an unfolding global economic and political tempest, driven by the re-emergence of old political rivalries, with territorial dominance emerging as the new kingmaker. While the islands at the focus of this article are not a single political unit, they share a common past as outposts for the French colonial empire.