Jugnauth threatens not to tolerate ‘anarchy’

After comparing Friday’s protests to the 1999 riots following the death of Kaya, Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, upon his return in Mauritius on Sunday, targeted opposition politicians, whom he accused of being behind the ‘havoc’.

In a statement to the state-owned MBC/TV, Jugnauth said his government has always done whatever it could improve the life of the people, “for those who are vulnerable.”

He dwelt lengthily on the economic consequences of the COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war on Mauritius.”

However, he raised the tone, stating that he will not “tolerate any ruckus” and that the police have his “full support to maintain law and order.”

His comments came soon after he met Police Commissioner Anil k. Dip. Jugnauth claimed protesters were being manipulated by the opposition.

The PM’s tone triggered further anger among parliamentary and extra parliamentary opposition, consumer rights associations.

“We would have expected a more empathetic approach, not an aggressive and threatening one,” they said.