Mauritius Faces Sanctions from SADC for Unpaid $11 Million

Mauritius is currently facing sanctions from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) due to its failure to make successive payments related to the SADC Defence Pact. The country owes approximately $11 million, a debt that has accumulated as a result of the previous government’s commitments that were not honored.

Despite the amount being included in the earlier budget, Mauritius has failed to fulfill its financial obligations, resulting in its suspension from participating in any decisions made by the SADC.

The previous Mauritian government had pledged to finance the SADC Defence Pact alongside other member countries but did not follow through on these commitments.

Consequently, payments were postponed, leading to the current outstanding debt.

According to Le Mauricien sources, the necessary funds had been allocated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the previous administration.

However, they remained un-transferred by the former Foreign Minister, Maneesh Gobin, preventing timely payment.

As a result, Mauritius found itself penalized by the SADC and excluded from participation in the organization’s activities, which has been described as a national disgrace.

“This is a true embarrassment,” stated the current Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ritesh Ramful, who confirmed the situation.

He announced that the current government plans to settle the $11 million debt by the first week of February to expedite the lifting of sanctions against Mauritius.

Additionally, the Prime Minister is scheduled to travel to Africa shortly to engage in discussions with African leaders and work towards restoring Mauritius’ reputation.

Source: Le Mauricien