The Mauritian government has reported a significant increase in cyber complaints this year, with 5,754 incidents recorded between January and November 5. According to the national computer emergency response team, CERT-MU, online harassment led with 1,697 cases, followed by cyberbullying at 761, scams and fraud at 723, and false information at 603. The government has launched a three-month campaign on responsible social media use, emphasizing the need to curb online abuse while protecting free speech.
The Ministry of Higher Education has set up a committee to investigate management at the University of Mascareignes, a public university at the center of a staff revolt. The inquiry follows a staff union demand for the removal of interim director Yashwantrao Ramma, who allowed evening classes to run in person on a riot-hit night in October. The move sparked controversy, with the union accusing Ramma of breaching his duty of care toward staff.
A Triolet entrepreneur has fallen victim to a Rs 500,000 scam, paying for a Nissan Atlas 3 truck that never arrived. The Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) is investigating the case, which involves a Port-Louis showroom owner who claimed the vehicle was waiting on customs clearance. The dealer is already facing money-laundering inquiries, and investigators are preparing a file for possible asset recovery.
The head of the Cargo Handling Corporation (CHCL), Gassen Dorsamy, will be leaving his position on December 11, as shipping giant Maersk prepares to take a 40% stake in the state cargo handler. The move is part of a larger effort to modernize the Port-Louis cargo handling facility, with Maersk and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) set to play a significant role.
Two foreign laborers were injured on Friday when a wooden scaffold collapsed at the new Phoenix police station site, dropping them about three meters. The incident has raised concerns about worker safety, which has been a contentious issue in Mauritius. This latest accident comes days after three workers died in a separate site accident.
In other news, a 19-year-old Zambian woman reported a rape incident in Flic-en-Flac, leading to the arrest of a Nigerian man. Emtel, a telecom group, is offering its dividend in shares, and Minister Rajesh Bhagwan will lead the Mauritian delegation to the UN climate summit, COP31. A detainee at Line Barracks bit a guard, resulting in an arm injury.
Mauritius has made headlines internationally, with Egypt's last independent voices facing increased pressure from the government. Lina Attalah, who runs Mada Masr, one of the country's last independent outlets, faces jail as prosecutors pursue a fresh case against journalists. In contrast, Tanzania's opposition Chadema celebrated as a court acquitted its leader, Tundu Lissu, of treason. President Trump has conceded that his administration's deportation drive may have cost his party the midterms, and has named Stephen Miller, the architect of the crackdown, as his chief of staff.
Key points
- Mauritius reports 5,754 cyber complaints this year, mostly online harassment and cyberbullying.
- The Ministry of Higher Education launches an inquiry into University of Mascareignes management.
- A Triolet entrepreneur falls victim to a Rs 500,000 scam.
