France, Feb. 18 -- Mayors on the French overseas territory of Mayotte have suspended their involvement in distributing food and water following reports by Le Monde daily that it was being diverted. They had taken charge of distributing much-needed state aid in the wake of the devastating Cyclone Chido.

The Mayotte Mayors' Association announced Monday that town officials had decided to "withdraw any involvement in distribution" as of 17 February.

Their decision follows an investigation byLe Monde, published 14 February, which included numerous testimonies from residents questioning where crucial food and water supplies ended up.

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