End-of-Year Message: DPP Advocates for Reforms in the Judiciary

After two years at the helm of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Me Rashid Ahmine reflected on significant challenges faced and important strides made in tackling judicial delays and crime. In his latest newsletter for 2024, he urged for structural reforms to strengthen the independence and efficiency of the Mauritian judicial system.

Since assuming office, DPP Ahmine has navigated a complex landscape marked by tensions with police institutions and contested decisions from political stakeholders.

“Some of my decisions faced opposition from the former police commissioner and the outgoing government through the Attorney General’s Office,” he recalled.

“They chose to confront my office directly for reasons of their own, which resulted in a considerable loss of time detrimental to the public interest.”

Despite these obstacles, DPP Ahmine reported that he has implemented reforms aimed at reducing case backlogs and improving the management of criminal cases.

“A new framework has been established to process cases more swiftly and effectively,” he explained, while acknowledging that the journey towards full improvement is still a long one.

Ahmine advocated for the creation of a new agency dedicated solely to investigating major cases of corruption and money laundering, suggesting that the judicial aspect should remain with the Office of Public Prosecutions.

“It is up to the government to determine the most appropriate model to replace the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC). I hope this will not be merely a change of name.”

He also emphasized the urgent need to address the rampant drug trafficking problem, which, according to him, is not being handled with the seriousness it deserves.

“It is unacceptable that after 24 years of enforcing the Dangerous Drugs Act, we are still struggling to target the major drug lords,” he lamented.

In the meantime, the DPP stressed the importance of enhancing the experience of victims and witnesses within the judicial system, with a particular focus on women and children.

He therefore called for urgent reforms to protect women against domestic violence and for better management of juvenile delinquency.

One of his key objectives for 2025 is to strengthen the independence of the DPP office.

Ahmine advocated for both financial and administrative autonomy, alongside legislative reforms to establish a clear framework for investigations conducted by his office.

“A DPP-led investigation is crucial to ensuring successful prosecutions in complex cases,” he asserted.

Additionally, he is planning to implement an electronic management system for case files and a greater digitization of information, while highlighting the importance of supporting the well-being of prosecutors, who are often exposed to stressful and traumatic cases.

DPP Rashid Ahmine also called for increased cooperation with NGOs and other judicial partners to identify problems and propose viable solutions.

In conclusion, he reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the rule of law and modernizing the Mauritian judicial system, while tackling the complex challenges that hinder its effective operation.

Source: Le Mauricien