Govt Institutions & State Companies: Current Promotions Favoring MSM Loyalists

Mauritius Telecom (MT) is facing scrutiny over a recent promotion exercise that has allegedly favored loyalists of the ruling Militant Socialist Movement (MSM). Reports indicated that about 200 promotions, conducted between June and July, aimed to secure positions for individuals close to the MSM shortly before the anticipated dissolution of the National Assembly.

The controversy has been compounded by a recent deposition from Ravi Boolakee, Head of Service Management at Mauritius Telecom, to the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) earlier this week.

In his statement, Boolakee accused Kapil Reesaul, the CEO of MT, of engaging in protectionism and favoritism towards Green Space Co Ltd, a company owned by Avinash Mattaroo, an MSM agent.

Boolakee’s allegations, along with the promotions that appear to lack transparency, have placed Reesaul’s position in jeopardy, with calls for his resignation or removal intensifying as we approach early 2025.

Le Mauricien sources suggest that the list of promoted employees includes relatives of close associates of Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth and members of the former government, raising questions about the legitimacy of the promotions.

In some instances, probation periods appeared to have been shortened to facilitate the swift confirmation of these beneficiaries within the organization, where the government holds a majority stake.

Notably, the list included the sister of a former senior MSM minister, who received a rapid promotion, as well as a close associate of another minister active in political campaigning.

The implications of these promotions extend to strategic positions within MT, indicating a concerted effort by the MSM to install its supporters in key roles.

At the Treasury Building, concerns have arisen over what many perceive as excessive favoritism in these promotions, which are said to be under the purview of CEO Kapil Reesaul, who has reportedly complied with instructions from high-ranking officials.

As political pressure mounts, especially with Boolakee’s deposition to the FCC, Reesaul finds himself in a precarious position, particularly with ongoing scrutiny regarding his past activities, including a controversial trip to India for the acquisition of telecommunications interception equipment.

Additionally, following the electoral results from November 11, it has been reported that a Rs 350 million contract, tied to these activities, was blocked by the government of Navin Ramgoolam pending clarification of its terms.

Meanwhile, inside the Prime Minister’s Inner Circle, suggestions have emerged that Reesaul’s days at the telecom company are numbered, with significant changes to the board of directors expected in January, including the appointment of a new chairperson.

The Economic Development Board (EDB), which has come under increasing scrutiny, is also undergoing changes as part of a restructuring effort announced by Navin Ramgoolam.

Since its creation in 2018—following the merger of various governmental investment agencies—the EDB has faced allegations of nepotism, with claims that many appointments lacked transparency and meritocracy.

It has been suggested that individuals close to the former government, including relatives of Pravind Jugnauth and former Finance Minister Renganaden Padayachy, were preferentially hired.

Though Deputy CEO Sachin Mohabeer has stepped in following the abrupt resignation of Ken Poonoosamy, his future remains uncertain.

Critics cited Mohabeer’s previous ties to the former administration and claim that essential operational documents related to opposition figures were deliberately obstructed by the previous management.

Signs indicated that Mohabeer could also be affected by the impending restructuring set to take effect in early January, despite attempts to align himself with the new economic team at the Prime Minister’s Office.

As the end of the year approaches, the wave of change in Mauritius’s state institutions underscores the ongoing political tensions and the complexities facing the new government under the Alliance of Change.

Source: Le Mauricien