The leader of the Mauritian Social Democratic Party (PMSD), Xavier-Luc Duval, has strongly criticized the proposed National Crime Agency (NCA) Bill, citing its high costs and potential misuse of power. Duval stated that the NCA would cost over Rs 1 billion annually, compared to the Financial Crimes Commission's (FCC) budget of Rs 500 million per year. He argued that these funds could be better spent addressing everyday crime and improving law and order in Mauritius.
Duval also questioned the need for the NCA, given that the current police force is under-equipped and under-funded. He pointed out that the President of the Republic is heavily guarded, with several Special Mobile Force soldiers and bodyguards, while the Prime Minister has multiple armored vehicles and 75 bodyguards. Duval argued that the focus should be on addressing corruption through transparency and accountability, rather than creating a new agency.
The PMSD leader emphasized that the NCA would not address the country's most pressing issue: drug trafficking. He expressed concerns that the agency's creation would lead to a two-tier system, where NCA agents would have better resources and working conditions than regular police officers. Duval also criticized the proposed appointment of a powerful Director-General (DG) for the NCA, who would be difficult to remove even if they were underperforming.
Duval suggested that the DG should be appointed by a committee, such as the Constitutional Appointment Committee, and that the NCA should be overseen by a parliamentary committee. He also proposed a legal provision allowing the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to access NCA investigations that exceed a year in duration. This, he argued, would prevent lengthy delays in investigations, like those experienced by the FCC.
The PMSD leader also raised concerns about the surveillance powers granted to the NCA. He called for an independent monitoring body to ensure that the agency does not abuse its powers. Duval noted that the NCA Bill allows for surveillance with a simple order from the DG, whereas previously, a judge's or magistrate's authorization was required. He also questioned why the Banking Act was amended to allow the FCC to access bank accounts, only to have the NCA Bill reintroduce banking confidentiality.
Duval also touched on the Chagos issue, criticizing the previous government's handling of the case. He stated that the government's arrogance led to a poor outcome and that the country's sovereignty over the Chagos Islands was only secured thanks to the efforts of former Prime Minister Anerood Jugnauth. Duval accused former Prime Ministers Navinchandra Ramgoolam and Paul Bérenger of contributing to the deal's downfall and vowed that they would one day be held accountable for their actions.
The proposed NCA has sparked concerns about its potential impact on the country's law enforcement and governance. Duval's criticisms highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability in the agency's operations. The government must address these concerns and ensure that the NCA is established in a way that benefits the country and its citizens.
Key points
- The proposed National Crime Agency (NCA) in Mauritius faces criticism over its high costs, estimated at Rs 1 billion annually.
- The NCA's broad powers and potential misuse have raised concerns among critics, including PMSD leader Xavier-Luc Duval.
- The agency's creation has sparked concerns about its potential impact on the country's law enforcement and governance.
