The government of Mauritius has lifted the nationwide curfew that was put in place following widespread unrest. Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam announced the lifting of the curfew, stating that the weekend had passed without major incident. The police and Special Mobile Force will continue to maintain a presence on the streets. Ramgoolam expressed concern about the sight of young Mauritians torching their own towns, calling it a tragedy for the country.
Ramgoolam emphasized that giving the youth a future is the government's greatest responsibility. He announced that urgent consultations with charities and specialists will begin to understand how the island reached this point. Labour MP Ehsan Juman, who was called in by Ramgoolam, raised concerns about youth despair, the cost of living, and drugs during the meeting. Juman stressed that ministers, advisers, and appointees must deliver results, warning that otherwise, it will be too late.
Two former high-ranking officials, Maneesh Gobin and Lilram Deal, have challenged the Financial Crimes Division's power to try them. Gobin, the former Attorney General, and Deal, the former Assistant Commissioner of Police, argue that the division has no competence to try them. The prosecution opposes their arguments, and a judge will hear their cases on November 20. If the judges agree that the court cannot try them, the state's biggest graft cases will have to restart from scratch.
The Mauritian government has received assistance from Saudi Arabia to address its water crisis. Saudi Arabia has agreed to send a technical team to assess the island's strained water supply and recommend fixes. The team is expected to arrive soon and begin work. This move comes as households have been rationing water due to a dry spell.
The Central CID has questioned Robin Hurreeram, brother of former minister Bobby Hurreeram, over WhatsApp messages linked to the unrest. Hurreeram denied spreading the messages, and officers were satisfied with his account, releasing him. The online hunt for those responsible for the unrest continues.
A 21-year-old French national was arrested at SSR airport with 37 pellets of cocaine and seven of hashish. The arrest highlights the ongoing issue of drug trafficking on the island, with couriers often packing or swallowing pellets to avoid detection.
In other news, a motorcycle and van collision in Poudre-d'Or Village left one man dead and another injured. A child was also burned on an Air Mauritius flight from Paris to Mauritius after a hot drink was spilled. Minister Jyoti Jeetun will promote the island's financial centre at a Financial Times summit in London.
Key points
- The Mauritian government is focusing on addressing youth issues and economic challenges following the lifting of the nationwide curfew.
- The government has received assistance from Saudi Arabia to address the island's water crisis.
- Two former high-ranking officials have challenged the Financial Crimes Division's power to try them.
