On the night of October 12, a group of lecturers and students at the Université des Mascareignes campus in Camp-Levieux were instructed to attend evening classes in person, despite the area being ablaze and a police blunder resulting in a shooting that left Elodie Thomas injured. The union, UDMASU, has written to Higher Education Minister Kaviraj Sukon demanding the removal of interim director general Dr. Yashwantrao Ramma, citing a grave breach of his duty of care. Staff members argue that the decision to hold classes on campus put them in harm's way.
The incident has sparked outrage among staff members, who claim that Dr. Ramma refused to move the classes online and insisted they take place on campus, despite the risks. Some staff members had to cross roadblocks and navigate through real danger to attend the classes. The union has expressed concerns about the director's judgment and his ability to prioritize the safety of staff and students. The ministry now has to decide whether holding classes during a riot constitutes a lapse of judgment or a serious offense that warrants action.
In a separate development, the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit has made progress in the investigation into the 1.5 tonnes of Thai cannabis that washed up on the Dreamer. Detectives now believe the shipment has already reached dealers across the island, and they are pursuing a Mauritian man with British nationality, known as Nishal, who is suspected of financing and dispatching the shipment. Nishal has a history with the drug squad, having been caught in a controlled delivery sting in 2012.
The Mauritian public debt has surpassed Rs 700 billion, reaching Rs 700.61 billion as of September, after increasing by Rs 17.23 billion in a single quarter. Although the ratio of debt to GDP has eased to 81.9%, this is largely due to a revaluation of the economy rather than actual debt repayment. The country's debt burden remains a concern, with the figure continuing to climb.
Staff at a secondary school have accused the new head of running the institution through fear and intimidation. They claim that the former registrar of the Mauritius Institute of Education has been bullying, engaging in nepotism, and making false accusations against some teachers. The staff members are calling for an inquiry and the head's removal.
The La Preneuse sea wall has been deemed compliant with regulations after MP Joanna Bérenger raised concerns about its construction. The environment and lands ministries have provided the necessary permits and documentation, confirming that the structure does not impede access to the beach. Residents had expressed fears that the wall would restrict their access to the shoreline.
In other news, Dakar is hosting the first Youth Olympic Games to be held on African soil, a milestone for the continent. However, many Senegalese are concerned about the rising costs and livelihoods lost due to preparations for the games. Vendors who have been cleared from roadsides and families affected by the cost of living are questioning who will benefit from the event.
Key points
- Staff at the Université des Mascareignes demand the removal of the interim director general after he insisted on holding night classes during a riot.
- The Mauritian public debt surpasses Rs 700 billion as of September.
- Dakar hosts the first Youth Olympic Games on African soil amid concerns about rising costs and lost livelihoods.
