Retrospective 2024, The Year of Change: Looking Ahead to 2025

By Week-End: The year 2024 will be etched in the history of Mauritius as a period of significant political and social upheaval. It was marked by the triumphant return of Navin Ramgoolam to government leadership a decade after experiencing electoral setbacks alongside the 60-0 defeat of Pravind Jugnauth in the general elections held in November.

Following an intense electoral campaign, the Alliance of Change, led by Ramgoolam, achieved an overwhelming victory, sweeping aside Jugnauth’s MSM party and its allies, thus ending a decade of political dominance.

This political upheaval has reshaped the Mauritian political landscape, reinforcing Ramgoolam’s position as a key player, supported by Paul Bérenger of the MMM, and the New Democrats, a dissident faction of the PMSD led by Richard Duval, Kushal Lobine, and Véronique Leu-Govind.

Additionally, there was an unexpected but notable election of members from Rezistans ek Alternativ: Ashok Subron, Babita Thannoo, and Kugan Parapen.

Beyond this landmark event, 2024 was characterized by a series of challenges and reforms that rocked the nation.

On the judicial front, sensational cases stirred public opinion, beginning with the Missié Moustass Leaks phone taps, which exposed government surveillance practices and threatened political stability.

Meanwhile, the extradition of Jean-Hubert Célérine, known as Franklin, to the sister island of Réunion revealed the extent of illicit drug trafficking between Mauritius and Réunion, fueling debates on security and justice within the country.

The nation also faced heartbreaking tragedies throughout the year, including a series of drownings and road accidents that deeply affected the population, reigniting discussions around public safety.

Environmentally, Mauritius grappled with natural disasters, as Cyclones Belal and Chido swept through, leaving lasting damage, particularly in Agalega, and highlighting the island’s vulnerability to climate change.

The Mare Chicose fire further emphasized the inertia surrounding waste management and environmental policies.

Economic reforms took center stage as well, with public debt reaching alarming levels prompting the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to advocate for budget consolidation.

The airline sector faced turmoil, with Air Mauritius embroiled in a crisis characterized by the suspension of executives and management tensions over public funds usage.

In response to social pressure, the new government announced measures to ease economic hardships for Mauritians, including the payment of a 14th month’s salary and reductions in fuel prices, all while inheriting empty coffers and a financial situation deemed catastrophic by the new rulers.

The year also saw financial scandals and corruption that had plagued the nation in recent years, including issues surrounding the MIC, Silver Bank, and COVID-19 procurements.

These controversies were compounded by the mysterious murder of Kaya Kistnen and other officials, alongside the arbitrary arrest of opposition members who fell victim to political maneuvering.

However, 2024 was not solely marked by strife; it was also a year of celebrations and achievements.

Mauritian Paralympic athletes excelled on the international stage, and emblematic infrastructure projects such as the SAJ Bridge were inaugurated, enhancing connectivity across the country.

The commemoration of Mauritius’s 56th independence anniversary paying tribute to Sir Anerood Jugnauth symbolized by the unveiling of his statue at the Waterfront in Port-Louis.

As the nation looks toward the future with a new government and high expectations, economic and social challenges persist.

With 2024 marking the end of one political era and the beginning of another, it stands as a pivotal year for Mauritius, which must navigate necessary reforms, climate challenges, and social aspirations.

Source: Le Mauricien