Accusations of Betrayal: Opposition Politician Criticizes PM Over Chagos Issue

In a recent meeting held at the Dr. Idrice Goumany Center in Constituency No. 3 (Port-Louis Maritime/Port-Louis East), Labour Party politician Shakeel Mohamed has accused Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth of “betrayal” concerning the Chagos Islands issue. Mohamed’s remarks highlighted significant concerns regarding the Prime Minister’s handling of the situation, particularly his decision to effectively grant 99-year leases to residents of the Chagos Islands, which he claims undermines Mauritian interests.

During the gathering, Mohamed expressed alarm over the latest developments in the Chagos matter, arguing that Jugnauth’s actions are detrimental to the nation’s sovereignty.

He went further to allege that the Prime Minister might have shared sensitive information about key election dates with the British government.

“Pravind Jugnauth informed the UK government when he would dissolve the Parliament,” he asserted, emphasizing that such confidential matters should never be divulged to foreign powers.

Adding to his criticism, Mohamed referenced an interview with Sir Richard Powell aired on Channel 4, suggesting that an agreement had been reached between the Mauritian Prime Minister and the UK regarding the Chagos question prior to the general elections.

“This represents a serious breach of the Prime Minister’s prerogatives.

The dissolution of Parliament is solely within the authority of the head of government and should not be disclosed to a foreign country.

It’s a state secret,” he stated. He accused Jugnauth of failing in his duties and dishonoring his role as Prime Minister, declaring, “You have disqualified yourself as the Prime Minister of this country. You have shown such weakness that the British have taken advantage of you.”

Shakeel Mohamed also responded to statements made by former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson regarding Mauritius’ sovereignty over the Chagos Islands.

“We, Mauritians, have the right to criticize our government, but I refuse to allow a British citizen to lecture us. I urge him to choose his words carefully,” he warned.

Aadil Ameer Meea, another sitting member of the Mauritian Militant Movement (MMM) representing the same constituency, pointed to the rising cost of living, which he attributes to a “calculated devaluation” of the Mauritian rupee against the dollar.

He argued that the government is merely creating the illusion of financial support by redistributing money without addressing the root of the problem—high prices.

“They would have been better off not giving any money at all and instead reducing prices,” he remarked.

Meea also criticized the decline of state institutions and the ongoing drug crisis in the country.

Ehsan Juman, another standing MP from the same constituency, pledged to lower fuel prices should the Alliance of Change come to power.

He promised the establishment of rehabilitation centers to combat drug issues and the provision of free sports facilities for women and youth.

He also announced plans for a complete renovation of the Plaine-Verte garden, along with nighttime activities in Desforges Street.

Furthermore, Juman revealed plans to replace the “ti-bazar” of Plaine-Verte with a new building and to identify lands for social housing construction.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, these accusations and promises reflect the growing tension surrounding the Chagos Islands’ sovereignty and the broader issues impacting the daily lives of Mauritians.

Source: Defi Media